The General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), Engineer Adefemi Afolabi has issued a stark warning about the state of sanitation in Lagos State, saying about 33 per cent of the population currently lacks adequate sanitation management.

Afolabi who also highlighted a critical need for infrastructure improvements, made these known in a Safely Managed Sanitation Conference, which was organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban, Water Sanitation and Hygiene Activity (LUWASH). The conference aimed to address the critical sanitation issues facing the state.

The five-year, $38.9 million LUWASH initiative aims to enhance the availability and quality of safe water and sanitation services across Lagos State.

The conference which was held between September 18 and 19, in Victoria Island, Lagos was graced with the presence of notable attendees which included the Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, a representative of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mbaye Mbéguéré and many others.

Afolabi, pointed out that Lagos has a staggering 97 per cent deficit in wastewater treatment facilities and a five percent rate of open defecation (OD). He also emphasised the importance of private sector investment, saying, “There is a growing opportunity for private sector involvement to help bridge this gap.”

In addition, he stressed the need for collaboration among government agencies and community organisations, urging increased training for service providers. “With the right partnerships, we can create a more resilient and healthier city for all Lagos residents,” he said.

While addressing the issue of OD in Lagos State, Afolabi remarked that “This practice is not only a public health risk but also a major barrier to achieving sustainable sanitation in our communities. We must prioritise building accessible and hygienic toilet facilities to eliminate this behaviour.”

He therefore called for targeted community education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of OD and to encourage proper sanitation practices.

The Acting Director of the Centre for Water and Sanitation Studies (CWSS) at Rivers State University, Dr. Peter Cookie, highlighted significant challenges in Nigeria’s water security and sanitation sectors. He stated that “personal skill and knowledge is low” among stakeholders, severely hampering effective solutions.

Dr. Cookie stressed the need for government support, clearer regulations, and well-designed public toilets that could generate income and create jobs.

Recent efforts by USAID include assisting the Lagos State Government in finalizing the new Water Supply and Sanitation Policy 2024 and rehabilitating mini waterworks. LUWASH has awarded $841,217.39 in grants to local organizations to facilitate safely managed WASH services in Lagos.

“The success of any sanitation initiative relies on the active involvement of communities,” said a USAID representative. “By empowering residents to take ownership of their sanitation challenges, we can cultivate a sense of collective responsibility.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Isiah Akoyeton,underscored the need to address WASH services in Lagos. He revealed disparities in water access and sanitation facilities across different density zones.

With rapid urbanization in Lagos, ensuring safely managed sanitation systems is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases and enhancing environmental sustainability. The conference has driven dialogue on strategies to support Nigeria’s progress toward national sanitation targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)