The Lagos State Government has disclosed that more than 8,000 residents were prosecuted within the last year for environmental infractions, including open defecation.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Tuesday during a television interview, where he outlined the government’s strategy combining enforcement measures with behavioural reorientation.
Wahab explained that while sanctions remain an important tool, the government places greater emphasis on changing public attitudes to achieve lasting compliance.
“If enforcement comes before awareness, it becomes ineffective. Once people take responsibility, applying penalties becomes more straightforward,” he said.
He expressed concern that some residents continue to ignore available sanitation facilities despite significant investments in public infrastructure.
According to him, Lagos currently has over 1,710 public toilets, alongside about 8,000 additional facilities located in eateries and fuel stations, yet instances of open defecation persist.
Citing Berger as a case study, the commissioner noted that enforcement actions had led to a noticeable improvement in public behaviour.
“At Berger, modern toilet facilities are available, yet some individuals deliberately chose open spaces along the Lagos-Ogun boundary. However, once enforcement and arrests began, compliance improved significantly,” he stated.
On waste management, Wahab highlighted ongoing reforms being driven by the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, including the expansion of waste collection infrastructure and a transition from a linear disposal system to a circular model focused on resource recovery.
He added that the state plans to phase out major landfill sites such as Olusosun and Solous 3 within the next 18 to 24 months, while developing new facilities in Epe and Badagry, with a target of reducing landfill waste to below five per cent.
The commissioner also spoke on efforts to address flooding, noting the deployment of technology-driven solutions such as artificial intelligence-based early warning systems, alongside continuous operations by the state’s Flood Abatement Gang.
Wahab reiterated that practices like waste burning remain prohibited, adding that air quality monitoring systems are being installed across the state to enforce compliance and safeguard public health.
While acknowledging that behavioural change requires time, he stressed that consistent public enlightenment, infrastructure development, and enforcement would gradually improve sanitation standards.
“We may not achieve the desired results immediately, but without building the right culture, the investments we are making could be undermined by poor habits,” he said.
