Dare Babalola
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab, has responded to feedback from a former governorship candidate in the state, Babatunde Gbadamosi, shedding light on the state’s efforts to improve sanitation and address open defecation.
Wahab was addressing a recent post made by Gbadamosi where he said, “My brother,
How many FUNCTIONAL public toilets per thousand of the population have you provided in the areas where arrests were made? Governance is not about throwing your weight around and denying people of their liberty because of your failures.
“It is about applying yourself and our taxes seriously and imaginatively to bring value to the people you’re meant to be serving. I actually used to like you, back in the day, and I am so sad to see what you’ve become since you joined the party of terror.”
Responding in a statement on Wednesday, Wahab disclosed that Lagos currently boasts 1,710 public toilets, complemented by over 900 private facilities operated by licensed investors, bringing the total to over 2,600 facilities across communities.
Furthermore, Wahab revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the construction of an additional 200 public toilets, which are presently under construction.
He noted that the move is part of the state’s comprehensive approach to tackling open defecation, which includes promoting sanitation infrastructure, sustained public awareness, and strong collaboration with stakeholders.
Wahab emphasised that the location and construction of these facilities are carefully planned to ensure sustainability and protect Lagos’ aquifers, aligning with broader water management objectives.
He stressed that governance is guided by responsibility, data, and long-term planning, rather than emotion or sentiment.
Addressing personal remarks, Wahab maintained that public service has not changed who he is, distancing himself from opinions that may suggest otherwise.
“Governance is not driven by emotion, sentiment or noise. It is guided by responsibility, data and long-term planning. We remain focused on doing the work,” he affirmed.
