By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government has expressed interest in a tech-driven solution designed to help residents locate clean and accessible public toilets across the state, following a viral social media post that caught the attention of officials.
Recall that the Lagos State government recently unveiled additional public toilets while charging banks and other public institutions to make their toilet accessible to the public.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that he recently met with Adetokunbo Ogunnoiki, a University of Ibadan mathematics graduate, and his startup partner, Ademola Gbadero, who developed the concept. The proposed platform uses geo-mapping technology to provide real-time information on nearby public toilets, including cleanliness ratings, walking directions, and estimated arrival times.
According to Wahab, the young innovators have already tested a similar solution successfully within their university campus, demonstrating the practicality of the idea.
He said the presentation, attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, and the Director of Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, highlighted both the technical depth and potential public health benefits of the initiative.
Impressed by the proposal, Wahab approved the concept in principle and requested a detailed budget from the team for further consideration at a follow-up meeting scheduled in the coming days.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader push to improve sanitation and eliminate open defecation, adding that such innovations could strengthen ongoing efforts under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to promote a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.
Wahab also used the opportunity to encourage constructive public engagement, stressing that governance thrives on practical ideas and collaborative solutions rather than criticism without alternatives.
