The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency have united in a campaign to eliminate open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

This collaborative effort was shared by the Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his X.com on Wednesday.

He stated that the initiative is to specifically target the median stretch from OPIC Plaza to Otedola Bridge, a critical area for both states, and aims to protect public health, prevent the spread of infectious diseases like cholera, and restore the aesthetic appeal of this vital corridor, which serves as a gateway to Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub and Africa’s fourth-largest economy.

Leading the campaign, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, stressed the importance of raising awareness about the health risks associated with open defecation.

“Cholera and other waterborne diseases pose significant dangers, particularly during the rainy season when the risk of water contamination is at its highest,” Dr. Ajayi noted.

He emphasized the need for public education on the issue, urging residents to understand the severe health implications of such practices.

To ensure the campaign’s long-term success, Dr. Ajayi announced that LASEPA would involve local stakeholders in monitoring the area for compliance.

“We will collaborate with local governments, Environmental Health Officers, market women, and law enforcement agencies to police this environment and report any infractions for legal action,” he said.

This approach aims to create a community-driven effort to maintain cleanliness and public health standards along the expressway.

Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Environmental Protection Matters, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, praised LASEPA for spearheading the campaign and highlighted the importance of inter-state collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

“This initiative sets a strong precedent for how we can work together to tackle common issues,” Dr. Kehinde stated.

He also revealed that Ogun State is working with international organizations to construct more public toilets as part of a broader strategy to eliminate open defecation.