Lagos, Ogun join forces to tackle open defecation along Ibadan expressway

The environmental arms of the Lagos State and Ogun State governments have come together to tackle the mess being caused by residents and traders living along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The median of the Expressway, especially between Berger and Mountain of Fire camp junction, is an eyesore as there are usually wet and dry faeces all over.

In a video shared by the Lagos Commissioner of Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, on Instagram, men of the environmental protection agency were seen washing off the pavements of faeces.

It was a collaboration between the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA).

The caption by the Commissioner read that both agencies have “launched a joint media campaign to ban open defecation along the Lagos-lbadan Expressway, particularly targeting the median from OPIC Plaza to Otedola Bridge.”

PlanetPulse.NG understands that majority of people living and plying their trade along the road in that axis, are cattle rearers who have their merchandise scattered in that vicinity.

There’s also a body of water in the area, from which the cattles drink, and may likely be a spot for defecation, leading to heavy contamination and causing spread of diseases.

The Commissioner wrote: “This initiative aims to enhance public health and environmental sustainability by preventing the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases while restoring the aesthetic appeal of this vital corridor, known as a gateway to Lagos.”

One would hope that the activities by the agencies earlier this week would not stop there, as it is important to find sustainable measures of ensuring that the median of that highway stays faeces-free!

“We will work with local governments, Environmental Health Officers, market women, and law enforcement agencies to police this environment and report any infractions for legal action,” said LASEPA general manager, Babatunde Ajayi.

“This initiative sets a strong precedent for how we can work together to tackle common issues,” said Oluwadare Kehinde, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor.