The Lagos State House of Assembly has commended the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, for his commitment to maintaining a cleaner Lagos while calling for stricter measures against open defecation and homelessness.
The lawmakers urged the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to fully enforce environmental laws prohibiting open defecation and ensure the widespread availability of free public toilets across the state.
They also emphasized the need for a comprehensive and sustained public awareness campaign to educate residents on the dangers of open defecation.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda strongly condemned the practice, stressing the urgent need for improved sanitation infrastructure.
Raising the matter under Urgent Public Importance, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo 01, warned that open defecation tarnishes Lagos’ reputation and hampers sustainable development.
Hon. Bonu Solomon, representing Badagry 01, advocated for the arrest of homeless individuals contributing to the sanitation crisis and urged local government chairmen to support state efforts in maintaining cleanliness.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 01, proposed the introduction of affordable public toilets across the state as a solution to the issue.
Hon. Femi Saheed, representing Kosofe Constituency 02, called for clear policies to ensure the proper management of public sanitation facilities.
Hon. Aro Moshood, representing Ikorodu 02, linked waste accumulation to open defecation, emphasizing the need for stricter waste management measures, particularly in market areas like Mile 12.
The Assembly resolved to intensify public awareness campaigns and collaborate with private sector stakeholders to fund sanitation initiatives across Lagos.
