Lagos Orders Fuel Stations and Banks to Make Their Restrooms Available for Public Use to Combat Open Defecation

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The Lagos State Government says it has deployed 1,710 functioning public toilets across the state.

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It is also directing filling stations, banks, and other businesses to open their restrooms to the general public as part of efforts to eliminate open defecation.

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Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab disclosed this in a post on X on Saturday.

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He said the facilities had been strategically located to serve both residents and visitors across the state.

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Wahab said the government recognised it could not tackle the challenge alone, calling on eateries and other public-facing businesses to also make their restrooms accessible to members of the public.

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“As part of our sustained efforts to eliminate open defecation and improve public sanitation across Lagos State, we currently have 1,710 functioning public toilets strategically located across the state for residents and visitors.

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“However, government cannot do this alone. We are encouraging businesses such as filling stations, banks, eateries, and other public-facing facilities to make their restrooms accessible to the public where possible. This collaborative approach will significantly complement government efforts and expand access to sanitation facilities across the state,” the statement read.

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The commissioner said enforcement of environmental sanitation laws was running alongside the infrastructure drive.

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“Individuals caught engaging in open defecation are being arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

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He said the measures were driven by the need to protect public health and preserve human dignity.

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“These measures are necessary to protect public health, preserve dignity, and maintain a cleaner environment for all,” the statement read.

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Wahab described access to sanitation as a shared responsibility, stressing that residents and businesses must play their part even as the government continued to expand infrastructure.

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“While government continues to expand infrastructure, residents and businesses must also play their part in ensuring Lagos remains clean, safe, and habitable,” the statement read.

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