The Lagos State Government has appealed to banks, petrol stations, eateries, and other public-facing businesses to allow members of the public to use their restrooms. This initiative is part of a broader push to finally end open defecation in the state.

Announcing the call, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that Lagos currently has 1,710 functional public toilets across various locations. While the government has made commendable progress in building more facilities, he stressed that winning the fight against open defecation requires everyone’s support.

“Private businesses also have a role to play,” Wahab said. He encouraged banks, fuel stations, restaurants, and other organizations to open their toilets to the public where possible, describing it as a simple but powerful way to support a cleaner Lagos.

The Commissioner warned that enforcement of sanitation laws remains active. Anyone caught defecating in the open risks arrest and prosecution.

Beyond infrastructure, Wahab emphasized that good sanitation is about protecting public health, preserving human dignity, and maintaining a clean environment for everyone.

The Lagos State Government is therefore calling on residents and business owners to work together to make Lagos safer, more hygienic, and truly livable for all.

Small actions like opening restroom doors to the public could make a big difference in the fight for a cleaner mega-city.