By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the executive arm of government to formulate a policy compelling owners of major commercial properties within the Ibadan metropolis to provide accessible, hygienic, and functional public toilets.
This, the House noted, is a strategic move to eliminate open defecation and bolster environmental sanitation across the state.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved during Tuesday’s plenary by the lawmaker representing Ibadan Southwest State Constituency II, Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi.
Leading the debate, Hon. Oluwafowokanmi expressed concern over the prevalence of open defecation, describing it as a public health hazard that facilitates the spread of communicable diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. He lamented that the practice not only degrades the environment but also tarnishes the state’s image.
While acknowledging the strides made by the state government and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in promoting cleanliness, the lawmaker noted that the dearth of public conveniences in high-traffic areas such as Iwo Road, Dugbe, Challenge, Molete, Idi Arere, Beere, Oje, Gate, Mokola, Bodija, and Ojoo forces commuters and residents to resort to open defecation.
“Many developed countries and some cities in Nigeria have curbed this menace by making it mandatory for owners of filling stations, shopping malls, hotels, eateries, and event centres to provide toilet facilities for public use at free or subsidised rates,” he stated.
He maintained that the fight against open defecation requires a multi-sectoral approach, noting that private institutions have a civic duty to support the state’s efforts toward attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in line with federal and UNICEF targets.
Following the deliberations, the House urged the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) to ensure that commercial properties along highways and major commercial hubs are equipped with well-maintained, water-supplied toilets.
The House further resolved that:
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The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development should incorporate the provision of public conveniences as a prerequisite for building approvals and renewals for commercial properties.
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The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters should direct local councils to partner with private investors for the construction of modern, pay-per-use facilities.
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The Oyo State Environmental Task Force should be empowered to ensure strict enforcement through regular inspections.
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The Ministry of Information and Orientation, in collaboration with RUWASSA, must intensify public enlightenment campaigns to drive behavioural change.
To ensure compliance, the Assembly directed its Committee on Environment, Water Resources and Ecology to conduct oversight visits and submit a comprehensive report within 90 days.
