Lagos Unveils New Public Toilets, Strengthens Wastewater Management Efforts

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday restated its commitment to expanding safe, accessible, and sustainable sanitation facilities across the state, with renewed efforts aimed at eliminating open defecation through the construction of more public toilets.

Speaking at the 2025 World Toilet Day celebration held at the Eko FM Multi-Purpose Hall, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab—represented by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Advertising and Signage Agency, Prince Fatiu Akinolu—said Lagos remains focused on achieving an open defecation-free status by the national 2030 deadline.

Wahab announced that the state has approved the construction of 20 additional public toilets, each comprising 10 units, adding 200 new units to the existing 1,710 public toilets across Lagos. He added that the government is also working to strengthen the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to improve the management of faecal sludge.

He noted the state’s partnership with WaterAid Nigeria on a key study focused on the sanitation circular economy, which aims to identify opportunities in faecal sludge management and promote sustainable sanitation practices. Other collaborations include ongoing projects with UNICEF, USAID, the World Bank, and other development partners.

Highlighting the significance of World Toilet Day, Wahab said the event underscores the urgent need for safe and sustainable sanitation for everyone. Referencing the theme, “We’ll Always Need the Toilet,” he said it calls for firm action to safeguard and expand access to sanitation despite challenges posed by aging infrastructure, population growth, and climate change.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji—represented by the Director of the Environmental Education Unit, Monsurat Banire—stressed the life-saving importance of safe toilets, noting that sanitation remains crucial in preventing disease and maintaining a clean environment.

During a lecture titled “Sanitation in a Changing World: We’ll Always Need the Toilet,” Prof. Babatunde Onajobi urged stakeholders to view sanitation as a basic human right. He called for stronger advocacy, increased funding, improved sanitation infrastructure, broader hygiene awareness, and partnerships capable of driving innovative solutions.