To attain an open-defecation-free Lagos by 2030, the state government must significantly expand investment in sanitation, strengthen equity-driven and climate-resilient planning, and deepen collaboration with private and community actors.
These were central recommendations delivered by Professor Babatunde Onajobi, a Professor of Microbiology and Environmental Sanitation at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, during the 2025 World Toilet Day celebration in Ikeja, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
Professor Onajobi described the toilet as a “life saver, dignity protector and opportunity maker,” urging the state to adopt stronger policies and regulatory frameworks to accelerate sanitation development.
He also called for individual behavioral change, stressing that over 80 percent of preventable diseases stem from poor sanitation practices.
“People who defecate in the open do so at odd hours because they know it is wrong. Everyone must continue to educate them on the health, economic and environmental dangers. Sanitation is the responsibility of all residents, not government alone,” he added.
Representing the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Managing Director of the Lagos Signage and Advertising Agency, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, announced that twenty public toilets with ten units each would be constructed across the state.
He emphasized that sanitation “requires more than infrastructure” and pledged increased community education, rural outreach and social mobilization to curb open defecation.
During a panel session, development partners — including WaterAid Nigeria, Public Toilet Owners Association and financial institutions — reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Lagos through financing, capacity-building and public education initiatives aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Speaking on behalf of WaterAid Nigeria Lagos Programme Team Lead, Dr. Alao Adebayo, Mr. Dare Oduluyi highlighted the organization’s ongoing interventions in Ikorodu North LCDA, Ojodu LCDA, Onigbongbo LCDA, Igando-Ikotun LCDA and Mushin LGA.
These include the construction of gender-friendly, inclusive toilets and the training of government officials to advance the open-defecation-free campaign.
Earlier, the Director of Environmental Education Services, Mrs. Mosurat Banire, urged residents — especially landlords — to support, invest in and promote safe sanitation practices for a healthier Lagos.
Students from Agidingbi Junior Grammar School and Ojodu Junior Grammar School added colour to the event with a drama presentation emphasizing the five key hygiene behavioral changes.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada