Aimed at addressing the critical issue of open defecation in Lagos State, experts and stakeholders shared their perspectives on the type of infrastructure needed to put an end to the practice at the just concluded Safely Managed Sanitation conference organized by Lagos Urban Water Sanitation and Hygiene.

The conversation which was centered on the need for more public toilets also go used on addressing the challenges of maintaining them.

Speaking during a panel discussion, Director of Sanitation Services at the Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, who was represented by Opeyemi Soroke said as part of government’s efforts to spread awareness through advocacy programs and to provide more sanitation facilities. “We monitor markets, we monitor parks, and we have school advocacy programs to ensure that the gospel of ‘say no to open defecation, use the toilet’ campaign gets to the grassroots,” he explained.

According to findings from the 2021 WASH NORM report, approximately 48 million Nigerians still engage in open defecation and only 8% of the population practice clean handwashing

“Part of the government’s plan for this year is to build 100 public toilets across the state. What we require of Luwash is that these toilets be gender-inclusive, particularly for young girls concerning their menstrual hygiene. There should also be an area where mothers can change diapers for their babies,” he added.

However, the Chairman of Toilet Operators Owners in Lagos State, Alhaji Adenekan highlighted the challenges of constructing these toilets, especially in a rapidly growing city like Lagos.

According to him. “One of the challenges we face is that there are not enough public toilets on the road. Our members are willing to construct public toilets, our members are ready, but the problem is that there is no space to construct them.

“There is need for better management and sustainability of public toilets, particularly those in local government areas. If you want to establish a public toilet, let us make sure we give it to somebody who is willing to run it. Do a proper interview and make them know that if they don’t maintain it properly, within a year, the toilets will be taken from them. There is a need for sustained and capable operators,” Adenekan explained.

Outlining a strategic action plan of the government’s role in addressing fecal sludge treatment Head of Operations at Lagos State Waste Management Office (LSWMO), Engineer Yusuf Majolage, said “Our strategic action plan is divided into short term, medium term, and long term. In the short term, one of the first things we intend to do is to revamp existing facilities. This will be done with adequate information and data, which is currently being gathered by development partners and investors.”

There are 48 million people who do not have access to a toilet in nigeria and as a result they are defecating in the open. And open defecation has significant health and nutritional consequences.

Majolage also mentioned that Ikorodu has been identified as one of the underserved areas in need of immediate intervention.

The panelist suggested that the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Urban Development collaborate with Toilet Operators Owners in Lagos to ensure land availability for public toilets. Whether we like it or not, as long as we eat, we must do what? We must go to the toilet. We need land in strategic places for these facilities.

The discussion also touched on the role of the private sector in sustaining sanitation efforts. “Making sanitation a business and a source of employment for people is crucial. That is when we can be sure that sustainability is achieved,” Majolage concluded.

As the conversation progressed, the need for policy reforms, legal frameworks, and collaboration between the public and private sectors was identified as key to tackling the issue of open defecation and improving sanitation across Lagos State.

The panel discussion provided a clear picture of the challenges and potential solutions for improving sanitation infrastructure, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts in both policy implementation and infrastructure development.

It’s better to be shy, so give it a try (to stop open defecation)