Open Defecation: Lagos Arrests 52 Offenders In 10 Days

.trains public toilet operators on sanitation

.urges Ogun counterpart to step up enforcement at Berger area

A total of 52 persons have been arrested by officials of the Lagos State Government in the past 10 days for engaging in open defecation in parts of the metropolis as part of the on-going effort to rid state of environmental nuisance.

Meanwhile, the State government has commenced trained public toilet operators on new sanitation techniques and operations for efficient service delivery in the state.

Recall that the State government had on August 22, declared clamp-down on offenders of open- defecation and urination as it embarked on total enforcement against environmental degradation with a vow to commence prosecution of individuals, particularly along the Berger Expressway, rail lines, among others.

In the wake of the enforcement, 6 offenders were arrested for open urination on rail track in front of Nigeria Army Shopping Complex, Arena, Oshodi, Subsequently, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC arrested 20 offenders for environmental infractions, such as open defecation and urination along Berger area and environs.

Also, 17 individuals were arrested on Thursday night at Berger for open urination, defecation, and not using the pedestrian bridge.

In the latest operation, nine offenders were arrested at the weekend for open defecation in the Berger area of the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had disclosed these in several posts on X.com, saying the offenders were arrested by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps.

According to Wahab, He wrote, “Nine individuals were arrested for open urination and defecation at Berger last night (Saturday).”

According to the State’s special taskforce, all the suspects will soon be prosecuted according to the Lagos State Environmental Laws.

Training of public toilet operators

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government over the weekend trained and rallied Public Toilet Operators on new sanitation techniques and operations for efficient service delivery in the state.

Addressing participants during a Training Workshop for public toilet operator and Janitors in Lagos State, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi- Akodu reiterated government’s commitment to eradicate open defecation and other environmental nuisances to reduce vulnerability to disease outbreaks and promote social security across the metropolis.

Akodu said the State Government recognizes the crucial role of janitors and public toilet operators and the need to build capacity so as to meet the challenges of service delivery in tandem with the T.H.E.M.E.S plus agenda of the administration.

He added that the training aimed at inculcating best practices in toilet management with the focus to eradicate open defecation in line with the Federal Government target of achieving Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025, adding that the State Government adopted the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign with a flag off in 2021.

He stressed that the campaign has been taken to the grassroots and to date launched in eleven Local Governments Areas across the State, saying the campaign is in addition to regular sanitation advocacy programmes been carried out in markets and communities across the State.

Akodu maintained that Government was determined to deal decisively with any one engaging in open defecation in accordance with the extant laws of the State.

According to him, “Lagos will not use billions to build infrastructure and some people will mess it up. Lagos has taken it upon itself to recruit officers that will operate at different areas especially the Berger area so that it will not degenerate.

“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.

“I will use this opportunity to appeal to the government of Ogun State to take it from where Lagos stopped and do same on enforcement as Lagos government is doing so that open defecation will be brought to the barest minimal,” he said.

He explained that the government in addressing the trend of open defecation across the State developed a four cardinal points roadmap, which are; Advocacy; Regularization and Standardization; Bridging the gap and Monitoring, as well as Evaluation and Enforcement.

Akodu added that the training workshop comes under regularization and standardization, saying the ministry has also rolled out a comprehensive operational guideline to guide the operation of public toilets in the State.

He informed the participants that the present administration has decided to construct 100 Units of public toilet across strategic locations in the State to bridge the infrastructural gap.

Akodu said the on-going training workshop and capacity building was to equip operators with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their roles for a sustainable environment and to ensure access to clean and welcoming toilets thereby encouraging positive behavioural change.

He stressed that the workshop was organized to expose toilets operators to global standards, guidelines and best practices for public toilet operation and maintenance which will not only benefit the participants but also improve the state of environment and health in the State.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Gaji, noted that “the government is committed and will continue to ensure good working conditions for toilet operators and janitors.”

The Permanent Secretary, who spoke through the Director Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, added that the workshop topics focused on promoting clean, safe and hygienic toilet facilities-the role of government and proper hygiene practices and sanitation techniques for public operators and janitors.