Lagos to tackle WASH, open defecation, challenges with 5-year plan

 

The Lagos State Government has emphasized the importance of its Strategic Action Plan (SAP) 2025-2030 to address key Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WASH) challenges, including open defecation and wastewater management.

The SAP according to our reporter,  was unveiled during the opening of a two-day workshop on Safely Managed Sanitation for Lagos State. 

The Safely Managed Sanitation Conference was held to address critical sanitation challenges faced by Lagos and other urban centers across Nigeria. 

By bringing together key stakeholders from government, private sector, academia, and local communities, the conference fostered collaboration and explored innovative solutions to improve sanitation services, promote hygiene, and ensure access to sustainable sanitation for all.

The workshop was organised by United States Agency for  International Development, under the USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban, Water Sanitation and Hygiene Activity (LUWASH). 

Dr Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Office Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, said that the plan was crucial because “environmental health directly impacts public safety.”

He said that behaviors like open defecation cause health hazards and should be avoided.

To enforce proper sanitation behavior, Gaji explained that there are penalties for those caught engaging in open defecation. 

He said that first-time offenders may be required to perform community service, such as cleaning the affected areas, while repeat offenders could face legal consequences in court.

He said that the state had earlier implemented a LUWASH policy in March, with various technical working groups involved in the policy’s gradual implementation.

Mr Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), said that the SAP aimed to address wastewater challenges through infrastructure and capacity development. 

He thanked USAID LUWASH for providing technical support in developing the SAP. 

The plan, according to him, outlines how the state will enhance sewage treatment facilities and engage both state and non-state actors to ensure Lagos remains a megacity.

Afolabi called for investments in public toilets and sewage treatment facilities, noting that the return on investment would be substantial due to Lagos’ expanding population.

On open defecation, he said that the state was committed to achieving Nigeria's national target of ending open defecation by 2025.

“We’re providing more toilets in public spaces, in our parks, markets, bus terminals, rail stations, public institutions, hospitals and  schools.

“We are rehabilitating sanitary systems, providing new ones and treatment infrastructure in some parts of the state. 

“We are also strengthening the evacuation chain of emptying our septic tanks and training our personnel to be able to safely handle sewage in the state,” he said.

Earlier, James Racicot, Chief of Party for USAID/Nigeria LUWASH, said that the purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness about innovations and challenges in the sanitation sector.

“Lagos is primarily an on-site sanitation center and most people have their own septic tanks with service providers that empty the septic tanks. 

“There are opportunities to increase the capacity of those private sector individuals and better regulation with the Water Regulatory Commission and the Ministry.

He explained that although USAID was addressing immediate concerns, the challenges in the water and sanitation sector were larger than what any one donor can handle alone.

He said that USAID supported by providing technical resources to assist the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office in developing and operationalizing their five-year strategic plan which was unveiled at the conference.

Mr Timeyin Uwejamomere, a WASH consultant advocated for a focus on fecal sludge treatment rather than wastewater treatment to address the state’s core sanitation issues.

He urged the government to key into circular economy which could turn waste into valuable resources like biofuels and agricultural manure.

This, he said, would solve the sludge problem and create economic opportunities.

Similarly, Dr Peter Cookie, Acting Director, Center for Water and Sanitation Studies at Rivers State University, explained how properly designed public toilets could generate income and create jobs, while also improving public health.

He pointed out business opportunities in areas like manufacturing water closets from locally sourced materials and creating septic tanks designed for rural and urban needs.

Dr Bolu Onabolu, President, Network of Female Professionals in WASH, Nigeria, said that poorly managed sanitation could lead to widespread health issues, loss of income, and hindered access to education, particularly for women and children. 

She emphasised the need to communicate with government, policymakers on the  link between investing in sanitation, creating jobs, reducing youth unemployment and also improving the health indices.

With rapid urbanization in Lagos, ensuring safely managed sanitation systems is crucial to preventing waterborne diseases, protecting public health, and enhancing environmental sustainability. 

The Safely Managed Sanitation Conference has helped to drive dialogue on actionable strategies and partnerships to support Nigeria’s progress toward achieving national sanitation targets and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).