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Public Health at Risk: Inside Lagos Motor Parks Where Open Defecation Persists

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 29th, 2025.

Public Health at Risk: Inside Lagos Motor Parks Where Open Defecation Persists

As Lagos continues its struggle with poor sanitation and waste management, a disturbing public health issue remains deeply rooted in the city’s transportation hubs—open defecation. Despite efforts by the Lagos State Government, many major motor parks remain plagued by a lack of functional sanitation infrastructure, forcing commuters, traders, and homeless individuals to relieve themselves in the open.

From Oshodi to Mile 2, Iyana-Iba, and Obalende, these key transport centers—used by millions daily—emit a pungent mix of urine and human waste, creating an unsanitary environment that invites disease and discomfort, especially during the rainy season. Behind fences, near rail tracks, and in hidden corners of the parks, human waste accumulates, turning what should be essential public facilities into unhygienic danger zones.

Despite Lagos being Nigeria’s economic engine, it still falls short when it comes to providing basic public sanitation. Observations across various motor parks reveal the same grim reality: no access to clean, operational public toilets, leading to a reliance on unsafe and unhygienic alternatives.

Daily Realities in the Parks

Motor parks such as Oshodi, Mile 2, and Iyana-Iba show visible signs of neglect. At Oshodi, rail tracks behind the popular Arena shopping area have become unofficial latrines. Commuters navigate carefully to avoid stepping on human waste, as the foul smell lingers in the air. Close to Arena’s gates, open urination and defecation occur in full view, often ignored by those going about their business.

Mobile toilets, where available, are often locked or unclean, pushing people toward open areas instead. Signs warning against public urination are widely ignored, as the odor of stale waste seeps from walls and corners of the parks.

Traders and transport workers continue with their daily hustle, largely indifferent to the health risks. “We don’t have a choice,” said a footwear seller at Oshodi. “People defecate behind the fences. The smell is constant.”

A Grim Picture Supported by Data

Nationwide, over 48 million Nigerians—23% of the population—still practice open defecation. According to WASHNORM 2021, only 17% of households have access to basic hygiene, and a mere 8% of household heads can properly demonstrate handwashing. UNICEF estimates that Nigeria needs 20 million toilets to eliminate open defecation by 2030.

Lagos State, while making some progress with 167 public toilets and registration of over 600 operators, remains far from solving the problem. Even with recent announcements to build 350 additional public toilets by 2025, the crisis remains deeply entrenched in the state’s busiest locations.

Mile 2: Between Convenience and Contamination

At Mile 2, human waste is a visible menace, especially around the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation site within the park. Concrete slabs and sandy areas have become dumping grounds for faeces and urine. Vendors, shoe shiners, and commercial bike operators all acknowledge the issue, but many still choose open defecation over cleaner, albeit less convenient, alternatives.

“People don’t want to walk down to the toilets,” said a bike rider. “It’s faster to just go here, even though the place stinks.”

Iyana-Iba: A Transit Hub Under Siege

At Iyana-Iba, located in Ojo Local Government Area, commuters, hawkers, and drivers are greeted by the stench of untreated human waste near an ongoing bridge construction. Pools of urine and scattered faeces trail the footpaths. Food vendors operate nearby, with flies moving between exposed human waste and food trays—creating a silent but severe public health risk.

A bus driver resting in his vehicle explained that despite warnings, people use the area as a toilet. “The place smells terrible, but people still defecate here every day,” he said.

Health Hazard Hidden in Plain Sight

The situation at these parks reflects a broader urban sanitation crisis. While some parks like Ojota, Ketu, Berger, and Iyana-Ipaja show signs of improvement with functional toilets and relatively cleaner surroundings, other areas continue to deteriorate due to poor maintenance and limited access.

At Obalende, only one mobile toilet serves a densely packed motor park, while human faeces line the edge of a clogged canal. The overpowering smell underscores the neglect, even as commuters and traders carry on.

Who’s to Blame?

Union officials in many of these parks point fingers at homeless youths and street dwellers. According to Tunde Iwalewa, a union member at Oshodi, “It’s mostly the boys living under the bridges and some scavengers. They have no facilities, so they mess up the place.”

Conclusion: A Growing Crisis That Demands Urgent Action

While the Lagos State Government has made strides in improving sanitation, open defecation remains a daily reality in some of the city’s most vital public spaces. Without sustained investment in public toilet infrastructure, maintenance, and behavioral change campaigns, Lagos risks facing worsening public health outcomes in its battle against urban waste.

Motor parks should be safe and hygienic, not breeding grounds for disease. Until access to sanitation becomes a right rather than a privilege, millions will remain at risk.