Lagos State is setting a new benchmark in environmental cleanliness under the leadership of Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources. The fight against open defecation, especially around critical areas like the Berger Expressway and rail lines, has taken center stage.With a rigorous clean-up of the environs done after days of sensitization, the commissioner has shown that processes can be followed even in the administration of public good.
The Lagos State government has initiated a robust clampdown on open defecation. The recent arrest of 20 individuals by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) underscores the seriousness of this effort. The enforcement actions are a clear message that violations of sanitation laws will not be tolerated. Mr. Wahab’s approach integrates legal and administrative strategies to ensure compliance and promote public health.
A legal juggernaut before his foray into politics, Mr Wahab understands the judicial process of making spacegoats of offenders to promote law and order. While he needs not don his legal garb, the systems that his commission is setting out will help to maintain the cleaniness of the Berger axis and beyond. Addressing open defecation requires more than just punitive measures. Mr. Wahab’s administration has introduced practical solutions such as the 24-hour operation of public toilets around Berger Bus Stop and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, has outlined future plans to expand sanitation infrastructure. The proposed construction of additional toilets equipped with water treatment and recycling facilities is a forward-thinking move.
To complement enforcement and infrastructure improvements, community engagement and education are vital. Omobolajiemphasized the need for collective action and the importance of educational programs. Raising awareness about proper sanitation and the benefits of using clean facilities is crucial in changing public attitudes and behaviours.
Lagos State’s strategy against open defecation exemplifies a comprehensive approach to maintaining a cleaner, healthier environment. By combining enforcement with infrastructure development and public education, the government is addressing both immediate and long-term sanitation challenges. This multifaceted approach ensures that the battle against open defecation is both effective and sustainable. It is also a model for other states in the country to aspire to as the race for cleaner, healthier communities heats up.
