By Ify Onyekwere
Open defecation remains a severe public health issue in many parts of Nigeria, despite ongoing efforts to combat it. According to recent data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has one of the highest rates of open defecation globally, with over 47 million people practising it daily. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of the busiest highways in Nigeria, exemplifies this problem, where the median often serves as an open toilet for many.
A comprehensive survey by the Nigerian Ministry of Water Resources, in collaboration with UNICEF, revealed that open defecation is not just a rural issue but is also prevalent in urban areas, particularly in cities like Lagos. The survey indicated that nearly 30% of residents in some parts of Lagos State lack access to basic sanitation facilities, contributing to the alarming rates of open defecation. The consequences are severe, including the spread of waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and a significant impact on human dignity.
In a striking response to this crisis, Evans Ufeli, a prominent Lagos-based lawyer, recently took a bold legal step to address the issue. On August 20, 2024, Ufeli filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Attorneys General of Lagos and Ogun states. He sought a judicial review and an order of mandamus, compelling these government officials to implement effective measures to curb open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Ufeli’s lawsuit paints a grim picture of the current situation. He argued that the rampant open defecation, especially along the Sagamu to Ojodu-Berger axis of the expressway, poses a severe health risk to commuters, residents, and road users. He described it as a “public nuisance” that significantly threatens public health due to the potential spread of airborne diseases. Ufeli emphasized that the authorities have failed in their duty of care by neglecting to address this environmental hazard adequately.
In his application, Ufeli demanded that the federal and state ministries of environment take immediate action to implement effective control measures to curb this unsanitary practice. He stated that the continued neglect by these authorities amounts to a violation of their duty of care to the citizens, especially those who regularly use the expressway. The suit also sought a declaration that the ongoing open defecation along the expressway is not only a public nuisance but also a national embarrassment, highlighting the decay of public infrastructure and governance.
The lawsuit further underscored the severe impact of open defecation on the nation’s public health and environment. Ufeli stressed that without immediate action, the situation could deteriorate, leading to the spread of diseases and further environmental degradation. He called for a comprehensive approach to address the issue, including public education, improved sanitation facilities, and stricter enforcement of hygiene regulations.
In response to the lawsuit and growing public concern, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources initiated a clean-up operation on August 22, 2024. Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced that the government had begun a “total clean-up” of the Ojodu-Berger highway median, a notorious spot for open defecation. Wahab also disclosed that the state had established a task force to enforce sanitation laws and arrest offenders caught defecating on the roadside.
Wahab’s announcement marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to tackling open defecation. He emphasized the state’s commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, warning the public against engaging in such unsanitary practices. The establishment of the task force reflects a more aggressive stance on enforcement, with the government promising to hold violators accountable.
While the government’s recent actions have been welcomed by many, there is still much work to be done to eradicate open defecation entirely. Experts argue that a more comprehensive strategy is needed, one that includes building more public toilets, improving waste management systems, and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns. The recent developments on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway highlight the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of open defecation and promote better hygiene practices.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenge of open defecation, it is clear that concerted efforts from both the government and the public are required. The actions taken by Evans Ufeli and the Lagos State Government are important steps toward addressing this issue, but they must be part of a broader, long-term strategy to improve sanitation and public health across the country. Ensuring access to clean, safe sanitation facilities is not just a matter of public health but a fundamental human right, and Nigeria must prioritize this issue to achieve sustainable development for all its citizens.
Click here to read about the health risks of open defecation
