The Lagos State government, in collaboration with WaterAid and private operators, has commenced work on constructing 350 public toilets across the state to curb open defecation and promote hygiene.
Speaking at a media roundtable organized in partnership with WaterAid, the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, revealed that work had begun on some of the facilities, with site identification already underway.
He explained that the state would tackle open defecation using a three-pronged approach: building necessary infrastructure, conducting mass advocacy, and enforcing compliance.
“We appreciate WaterAid for partnering with us in ensuring that Lagosians have access to clean water, decent toilets, and proper hygiene on a continuous basis,” Rotimi-Akodu said.
He noted that increasing public toilet availability would reduce government spending on disease treatment, freeing up resources for other economic needs.
He also addressed delays in execution, explaining that the state was working on an alternative water supply rather than relying on boreholes.
“The government does not support the drilling of boreholes at homes, businesses, and religious centers due to environmental concerns. Instead, we are working on providing potable water through the Lagos Water Corporation,” he added.
Rotimi-Akodu pointed to the Adiyan Water Works project, which will soon produce up to 100 million gallons of water daily, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure stable water access across the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, lamented that many households and organizations were using water provided by the Lagos State Water Corporation without paying. This, he said, had forced the government to repeatedly bail out the corporation.
“The Lagos Water Corporation is the largest supplier of water in the state, and various regulatory agencies are addressing tariff issues to ensure sustainable service delivery,” Adegbite said.
He clarified that while the government does not aim to profit from water supply, services would no longer be free, and discussions on tariff structures were ongoing.
“It is illegal for individuals to tap into the water supply without paying, as this negatively impacts the corporation’s operations,” he warned.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, emphasized that water supply initiatives were being implemented across all parts of the state.
“This is why we are undertaking massive rehabilitation of major, mini, and micro water works. Before the end of this administration, we expect to provide hundreds of millions of gallons of water per day to improve access,” he stated.
The State Programme Lead for WaterAid Lagos, Dr. Adebayo Alao, highlighted the organization’s efforts in strengthening institutional capacity and integrating water, sanitation, and hygiene into state development plans.
He revealed that Kimberly-Clark had donated $1 million from July 2021 to March 2025 to support hygiene improvements for 45,000 lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and other vulnerable groups in Lagos, particularly in Ojodu and Ikorodu North Local Council Development Areas.
“One of our key achievements includes renovating two primary health centers with functional water supply and sanitation facilities. We also procured medical equipment worth over ₦30 million for PHCs in Ogba and Odo-Nla in Epe,” Alao said.
Additionally, WaterAid played a role in securing approval for the review of Lagos State’s WASH policy and conducted technical assessments of several dysfunctional waterworks, leading to the ongoing rehabilitation of the Akilo Water Works.
