Open defecation: Lagos to construct 167 toilets, registers 635 operators

The Lagos State Government has said it will construct over167 public toilets in designated areas, as well as register over 635 Public Toilet Operators to prevent open defecation.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Tajudeen Gaji, stated this on Saturday during the celebration of the 2022 World Toilet Day, at the Lagos Island Local Government Secretariat.

He added that the state was determined to end open defecation and other sanitation challenges across the metropolis, saying part of the measures taken by the government was the construction of public toilets at strategic locations, including motor parks, markets.

Gaji, represented by the Deputy Director, Sanitation Services, Mrs Janet Balogun, said the event, held simultaneously in three other locations namely Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Ifako-Ijaiye local government areas, was a clarion call to all stakeholders to prioritise hygiene in order to combat the spread of diseases.

The Permanent Secretary said, “Nigeria presently occupies the topmost level on the ladder of open defecation. In order to combat the menace, President Muhammadu Buhari declared a State of Emergency on Open Defecation in the country as contained in Executive Order 009 titled: ‘The Open Defecation – Free Nigeria by 2025 and Other Related Matters Order.’”

He disclosed that the declaration is expected to be followed by actions from each state to domesticate the order and plan towards its application and sustenance to achieve Open Defecation Free status by 2025.

He said, “The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu took the lead role by signing an Executive Order titled: “Enforcement of Law and Order in Respect of Traffic and Sanitation Matters.” The essence of the order is to restore stability and accountability to all citizens to become active stakeholders in bringing necessary changes to transform Lagos to the desired state.”