Lagos Orders Businesses to Open Restrooms to Public in Sanitation Drive

Lagos State Government ordered banks, eateries, filling stations, and other businesses to open their restrooms to the public on April 18.

The directive aims to curb open defecation, improve sanitation for a rapidly growing population, and reduce disease risk.

Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu said the move will help meet the sanitation needs of the state's roughly 20 million residents and eliminate public urination and defecation in streets ^[1].

Nigeria still records some of the highest rates of open defecation in Africa, and Lagos, despite being Nigeria’s economic hub, has long struggled with a shortage of public toilets ^[1].

Lagos State currently operates 1,710 functioning public toilets, a figure the government hopes to augment by leveraging private‑sector facilities ^[2] — the new policy could effectively double accessible restrooms.

Businesses are required to post clear signage indicating that facilities are open to anyone, maintain cleanliness, and submit monthly compliance reports; non‑compliant outlets face fines up to ₦500,000 ^[1].

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce said some members worry about added maintenance costs, while others welcomed the guidance as a step toward a more livable city ^[1].

Public‑health experts said that without proper oversight, newly opened restrooms could become vectors for disease, stressing the need for regular inspections and community awareness campaigns.

**What this means** The policy reflects Lagos’s broader strategy to modernize urban infrastructure and tackle public‑health challenges tied to rapid urbanization. By turning private restrooms into quasi‑public amenities, the state hopes to reduce open defecation, lower sanitation‑related illnesses, and set a precedent for other Nigerian cities facing similar pressures.