The Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to combat environmental nuisances, arresting 52 individuals over the past 10 days for engaging in open defecation across various parts of the metropolis.
The crackdown is part of a broader initiative to eliminate open defecation and promote better sanitation practices in the state.
The arrests were carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) as part of an ongoing enforcement campaign.
The state government had previously announced a zero-tolerance policy towards open defecation and urination, particularly along key areas such as the Berger Expressway and rail lines.
The latest arrests include six individuals apprehended for open urination on a rail track in front of the Nigerian Army Shopping Complex in Oshodi.
Additionally, 20 offenders were arrested in the Berger area for various environmental infractions, including open defecation and urination. On Thursday night, 17 more individuals were detained for similar offenses at Berger, and another nine were arrested over the weekend.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed these arrests in a series of posts on X.com (formerly Twitter), stating, “Nine individuals were arrested for open urination and defecation at Berger last night (Saturday).”
The arrested individuals are expected to be prosecuted according to Lagos State Environmental Laws.
In a related development, the Lagos State Government has commenced the training of public toilet operators on new sanitation techniques to ensure efficient service delivery.
The training workshop, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja, is part of the government’s broader strategy to eradicate open defecation by 2025, in line with the Federal Government’s “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign.
During the workshop, Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing environmental nuisances and disease outbreaks.
He emphasized the crucial role of public toilet operators and janitors in achieving this goal, highlighting the state’s plan to construct 100 public toilets across strategic locations to address infrastructure gaps.
“Lagos will not use billions to build infrastructure and allow some people to mess it up,” Akodu stated.
“Enforcers have started arresting people who defecate on the median along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway (Lagos Axis), and they will be prosecuted accordingly. I hope this will put fear amongst other culprits.”
Akodu also called on the Ogun State Government to adopt similar enforcement measures to minimize open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The workshop is part of a four-point roadmap developed by the Lagos State Government to address open defecation, which includes Advocacy, Regularization and Standardization, Bridging the Gap, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Enforcement. The training aims to equip public toilet operators with the skills and knowledge required to maintain global standards in sanitation, thereby fostering a cleaner and healthier environment in Lagos.
Dr. Tajudeen Gaji, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring good working conditions for toilet operators and janitors.
He added that the workshop focused on promoting clean, safe, and hygienic toilet facilities, highlighting the role of government in maintaining proper hygiene practices.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the Lagos State Government continues to advocate for better sanitation practices and enforce regulations to create a more sustainable and hygienic environment for its residents.