Proposed Solution for Sanitation Problems in Lagos, Nigeria

1. IMPROVING SANITATION AND HEALTH IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Lagos is Nigeria’s megacity with a population of about 18million people. It is also the commercial
capital of Nigeria. However a drive or walk through this city will reveal plainly the dire state of
sanitation and the precarious health conditions of its citizens. A very disturbing aspect of this situation
is widespread defecation and urination in public spaces and centres including markets, motor parks
etc. Part of the problem might be very poor funding of the Water/ Sanitation sector by Government. A
review of the allocation of ODA by Sector for Nigeria, shows that the least amount of the Trust
disbursements was to the water/Sanitation sector
The Proposed Solution
Encourage the proliferation of toilets in business premises, public spaces and institutions such as
schools, markets etc via a public/private sector initiative. In this respect, several things need to happen
 Mass orientation of the public on the importance of sanitation to the health, aesthetics and
economic fortunes of people and communities. Such engagement should also make a case for
payment of reasonable fees for such critical services
 Strengthening of the laws relating to human waste disposal, etc. Especially important would be
the use of the land use approval process to enforce the provision of adequate sanitation
facilities. For example any one building a building for public use such as petrol stations,
churches, taxi parks etc should not get approval to build if there is not a sufficient provision of
sanitation facilities. This law should also provide for on-going inspections of such facilities by
Government agents and the imposition of sanctions such as sealing of the premises, fines and
even forfeiture in extreme cases .
 Preparation and dissemination of a study showing the business case for investment in the
provision of sanitary facilities such as toilets for public use. Such a study could be a basis for
engagement of the private sector and encouraging investment in this area, as well as deciding
government’s commitment to this initiative
 Leveraging ODA funds to attract local sources of funds from philanthropists, Companies who
may see provision/funding of these services as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) etc, to
provide a ready, attractively- priced pool of funds for potential investors to access.
 Explore new toilet technologies, especially those that do not rely too much on the use of water
and electricity for functioning. These may more appropriate especially for remote and off-grid
locations, as well as in the event of power failure
Thanks
Ore Ohimor