The Ogun and Lagos state governments have unveiled plans to enforce laws and prosecute individuals involved in open defecation, particularly in their shared border towns.
Oluwadare Kehinde, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State on Environmental Protection, made this known during a joint press conference with his Lagos State counterpart, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, at Berger in Lagos on Thursday.
Kehinde explained that this initiative aims to prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, especially in border areas like Mowe, Magboro, Warewa, Kara, and Isheri.
He stated that the enforcement team would begin operations after a sensitization campaign, working in shifts to apprehend and prosecute violators under relevant environmental laws.
“This will serve as a deterrent,” Kehinde said, “as anyone caught will face legal consequences. The Ogun State Government will not tolerate open defecation, particularly along road medians in these border towns. If the ongoing sensitization efforts fail to achieve the desired results, strict enforcement and prosecution will be necessary.”
He emphasized that the state has constructed several new public toilets, including in border towns, offering a credible alternative. Therefore, offenders will not be spared.
Kehinde also highlighted the public health risks associated with open defecation, stressing that it tarnishes the state’s image, which will not be tolerated.
He urged those still engaging in the practice to use nearby public toilets or face the consequences.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, emphasized the need to raise awareness about the dangers of open defecation among residents of the border towns.
He noted that there would be special attention on the median from OPIC Plaza, Kara, Berger, and Otedola Bridge along the newly rehabilitated Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
He also revealed that cleaning efforts on the medians had already begun, and enforcement would continue to sustain these efforts.
