By Chiagoziem Abosi
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
Lagos residents, especially those navigating busy hubs like Ikeja, may soon find relief in an unexpected place: bank halls, eateries, and fuel stations.
The Lagos State Government has urged businesses across the state to open their toilet facilities to the public, a move aimed at improving sanitation and reducing open urination in public spaces.
According to the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the directive is part of a broader push to promote cleaner, more hygienic urban spaces.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab emphasized that businesses like banks, restaurants, and filling stations should allow public access to their restrooms as this will help tackle the shortage of public toilet facilities across Lagos
From Computer Village to Allen Avenue and Opebi, thousands of people move through the area daily. But one question constantly pops up:
“Where can I find a clean toilet?”
Public toilets are:
- scarce
- sometimes locked
- or not exactly… inviting
So this directive, It hits a very real nerve.
Will Businesses Actually Comply?
That’s where things get tricky.
While the government has made the appeal, it’s not yet clear:
- Whether this is enforceable or advisory
- How businesses will handle security concerns
- If access will truly be free or conditional
Some business owners may worry about:
- Maintenance costs
- Overuse
- Safety inside their premises
This move signals a shift toward shared responsibility between government and private businesses.
It’s a bold idea, one that could make daily life easier in places like Ikeja.
But in true Lagos fashion, the real question is:
Will this policy live on paper… or actually work on the streets?
What do you think about this policy, do you think it will work? Tell us in the comments
