..Shun public conveniences
…Allegations of unhygienic nature of public toilets fuel practice
Dateline was Monday, March 25, 2025; time 9.30am, a commercial bus was descending from the Apangbon bridge to the Oando bus stop enroute CMS, in Lagos, Nigeria, alas, on the pavement by the road were three young adults squatting to answer the call of nature, feigning ignorance of the menace they were constituting to public health.
The bus driver, who is perhaps, used to the sight from the way he behaved, said “but look at a public toilet there (pointing to a building a few meters away towards Kakawa). They won’t go there.”
The commercial bus driver also said that many of those that engage in open defecation on the Island are people that have one disability of the other.
“What I see is that many of the people who do this thing anywhere they like are cripples and beggars. While they linger on the road, the answer the call of nature right by the way side,” he said.
Although there are several public toilets scattered across the state, observers say that they are grossly inadequate for the burgeoning population in the state.
Some others point to lack of maintenance of such public conveniences, as allegations are rife that people contract some diseases simply by using such toilets as a result of their unhygienic state.
There are others also who argue that those who do the public defecation do so because they cannot afford the token paid before using such conveniences.
Mama Yusuf, a shop owner at Obalende area of Lagos, told BusinessDay that many of those who engage in the practice are homeless people and area boys (street urchins) who have no where to retire to in the night. You see them loiter about and litter the roads with human waste.
“We have too many homeless people in Lagos. In Obalende there are many of them. If someone eats food every day, that person will need pass out waste; it is normal. So, sine they have no accommodation, they ease themselves on the road, thereby constituting serious health menace. Many of them do not see it as anything bad; some do it as a result of protest against the government, that is why they can do it in the full glare of passers-by,” she said.
Lagos, the vibrant engine of Nigeria’s economy, a megacity pulsating with commerce and ambition, is indeed, facing a crisis that stains its reputation and endangers its residents.
While the world grapples with a global sanitation deficit, Lagos presents a stark reality of this challenge, where widespread practice of open defecation has reached alarming levels.
This is a fundamental threat to public health, economic productivity, and the very fabric of urban life in this bustling metropolis.
The statistics paint a grim picture. While precise figures on open defecation are hard to come by, the visible reality across the city speaks volumes.
Bridges, which were in the past, conduits for economic activity, now offer a pungent reminder of the sanitation crisis below.
The lack of accessible and well-maintained public toilets forces many to resort to desperate measures, polluting waterways, public spaces, and contributing to a pervasive environment of disease and discomfort.
This is not a problem unique to Lagos or even Nigeria. The United Nations has long acknowledged the global sanitation crisis, highlighting that billions worldwide lack access to basic sanitation facilities. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set a target for universal access to sanitation by 2030, yet the world’s progress remains worryingly slow.
Lagos, in its rapid urbanisation and immense population density, simply amplifies this global challenge, making it a critical pressure point.
The economic implications of this sanitation crisis are significant. Poor sanitation leads to a higher incidence of waterborne diseases, resulting in increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity due to illness, and a diminished quality of life.
Businesses may face challenges in attracting and retaining talent in an environment where basic hygiene and sanitation are lacking. Furthermore, the city’s reputation as a global business hub is tarnished when such fundamental infrastructure is inadequate.
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach and a significant commitment from both the government and the private sector. Investing in public sanitation infrastructure is paramount.
This includes the construction and maintenance of clean, accessible, and affordable public toilets in strategic locations across the city. It also necessitates a robust waste management system that effectively collects and treats human waste, preventing it from contaminating the environment.
Beyond infrastructure, public awareness and behavioral change are crucial. Education campaigns are needed to sensitise residents about the health risks associated with open defecation and the importance of using and maintaining sanitation facilities. Community engagement and the involvement of local stakeholders are essential to ensure the sustainability of any sanitation initiatives.
Furthermore, exploring innovative solutions and technologies can play a vital role. This could include the adoption of sustainable and cost-effective sanitation technologies, as well as exploring public-private partnerships to manage and maintain sanitation facilities.
The Lagos State government has acknowledged the challenge and has initiated some efforts to address it. However, the scale of the problem demands a more comprehensive and sustained response. Increased budgetary allocation towards sanitation, stronger enforcement of sanitation regulations, and a clear roadmap with measurable targets are essential steps.
While Lagos continues to be a driving force in Nigeria’s economy, its economic prowess is overshadowed by a growing sanitation crisis.
The lack of adequate public conveniences and the prevalence of open defecation are not just an eyesore; they are a public health emergency and an impediment to sustainable development.
Addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
