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LAGOS, Nigeria- The Lagos State government, in collaboration with WaterAid Plan and private operators, is working to construct 350 public toilets across the state to address the widespread issue of open defecation and promote better hygiene and sanitation.
WaterAid has also projected that by 2028, 10 million residents will directly benefit, with an additional 17 million indirectly gaining access through initiatives focused on basic Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
During a media briefing with WaterAid and the state government, the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, announced that work has commenced on several toilets, including site selection.
He mentioned that the state will implement a three-pronged strategy to tackle open defecation: establishing infrastructure, engaging in extensive advocacy, and enforcing compliance to encourage public toilet usage.
Rotimi-Akodu expressed gratitude to WaterAid for its partnership, emphasizing the importance of providing Lagosians with consistent access to clean water, decent toilets, and proper hygiene.
He noted that increasing public toilet availability would help lower healthcare costs associated with disease treatment, freeing up funds for other economic activities.
He clarified that the current delays are due to efforts to establish alternative water sources instead of relying on boreholes. The government traditionally discourages the drilling of boreholes at residential and other sites for various reasons while working to provide alternative options, specifically through the Lagos Water Corporation.
“Drilling boreholes is not something we take pride in; it's something we aim to avoid. Fortunately, we recently visited the Adiyan Water Works along with the Governor and media representatives, where the state will soon begin producing a combined capacity of at least 100 million gallons of piped water daily.
“The community can witness the substantial efforts of the state to ensure water availability for everyone in Lagos,” he added. The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, pointed out that many homes and organizations are utilizing water supplied by the Lagos State Water Corporation without making payments, which has placed a financial burden on the government over the years. Nonetheless, the state aims to develop sustainable engagement strategies with users.
He emphasized that the Lagos State Water Corporation is the largest water supplier, necessitating various regulatory agencies to manage tariff settings. “Indeed, there have been numerous applications from prospective providers, but the regulatory body is currently addressing these. It's important to note that the government does not view water provision as a profit-making venture,” he remarked.
He indicated that access to piped water would no longer be free moving forward and stressed that private entities should not be expected to invest in water supply without a return. Discussions about tariff setting are ongoing. “This project has attracted investor partners, with approximately N800 million in investments; the state is also investing billions of Naira,” he explained.
He cautioned against illegal connections to potable water by those unwilling to pay, highlighting the adverse effects on the Corporation. Likewise, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, stated that the government is focused on providing water for the entire state, not just specific areas.
He noted that extensive rehabilitation efforts are taking place across major water works, mini water works, and micro water works throughout Lagos.
He expressed optimism that by the end of this administration, the government would significantly increase daily water provision capabilities, which would greatly enhance access to water.
Earlier, during his presentation, State Programme Lead at the WaterAid Lagos Office, Dr. Adebayo Alao, mentioned that WaterAid has played a critical role in developing models and enhancing institutional capacities for better governance and performance in the sector. The organization collaborates with key sectors to integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into development strategies.
He also stated that Kimberly Clark has pledged $1 million from July 2021 to March 2025 to support the hygiene improvement initiatives targeting 45,000 lactating women, adolescent girls, and vulnerable individuals in areas such as Ojodu under Ikeja and Ikorodu North Local Council Development Areas of Lagos.
Dr. Alao cited key accomplishments, including the renovation of two Primary Health Centres with operational water supply and sanitation facilities, along with medical equipment worth over 30 million supplied to the PHCs at Ogba and Odo-nla in Epe.
Other achievements by WaterAid include the approval of a review of the WASH Policy of Lagos State and assistance with technical assessments of several non-functional water facilities, which has led to the ongoing rehabilitation of the Akilo Water Works.
