Interview by Bilesanmi Abayomi, Publisher and Principal Correspondent, KosofePost
Nigeria continues to battle one of the world’s worst sanitation crises, with an estimated 48 million citizens lacking access to toilets. In this exclusive interview, Omoba Rasheed Awofeso, a sanitation entrepreneur and advocate, shares insights from his two decades of experience building and managing public toilets across Southwest Nigeria.
KosofePost (KP): You are widely recognized for your expertise in building and managing public toilets across Southwest Nigeria. What first inspired you to focus on this sector?
Omoba Rasheed Awofeso (ORA): My inspiration came during my first trip to the UK in 2003. At Manchester bus station, I urgently needed a toilet and was directed to a pay-to-use facility. The concept struck me immediately, and I decided to replicate it in Nigeria. When I returned, I shared the idea with a friend in government who encouraged me, and since then, I have pursued public-private partnerships wherever the opportunity arises.
KP: What unique challenges have you faced in establishing and maintaining public toilet facilities in both rural and urban communities?
ORA: Like every business, challenges are inevitable. In sanitation, proposals are sometimes rejected, negotiations collapse due to unrealistic demands, and sudden policy changes often disrupt plans. In some cases, host communities also resist such projects.
KP: Reports indicate that 48 million Nigerians still lack access to toilets. From your experience, what are the root causes of open defecation?
ORA: Several factors: lack of decent housing, makeshift accommodation in riverine areas, poor access to potable water, low income levels, and population pressure on existing infrastructure.
KP: Diseases like cholera and diarrhea continue to claim thousands of lives annually. How urgent is government and community action?
ORA: Very urgent. Nigeria needs a health policy implemented with sincerity at all levels. This should include:
• Adequate provision of medical supplies and health facilities in all wards.
• Collaboration with community stakeholders to spread health information.
• Regular education and sensitization campaigns.
A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Sick citizens cannot contribute meaningfully to the GDP.
KP: What immediate steps can local government chairmen take to reduce open defecation?
ORA: The solutions include:
• Building toilet facilities in all public spaces—bus stations, markets, recreation areas.
• Mandating that all public organizations, including filling stations, maintain functional toilets.
• Enforcing punitive measures against offenders, but only after adequate facilities are provided.
KP: Many households cite affordability and accessibility as barriers. How can toilets be made available and sustainable?
ORA: By adopting simple, low-cost designs that are durable and easy to maintain. Local governments can partner with private investors under a “pay small, use well” model, where token fees cover maintenance. Communities should also take ownership—through monitoring committees or cooperatives—so facilities are not abandoned. The government’s role is to provide land and enabling policies, while private operators handle daily management.
KP: You’ve worked on different management models. Which is most effective—government-led, private-sector driven, or community-owned?
ORA: It depends on the context. Public-private partnerships are often more stable because of government involvement, while purely private arrangements can be chaotic. The key is flexibility and adaptability.
KP: What simple daily actions can Nigerians take to discourage open defecation?
ORA: First, ensure facilities are available. Only then can punitive measures be effective. Without enough toilets, people will continue to defecate in public spaces. This is a public health emergency that must be tackled head-on.
KP: Why should sanitation be a top priority for local government chairmen?
ORA: Because health is fundamental. If government ignores sanitation, the costs of preventable diseases will overwhelm the system. Leaders must also embrace private business ideas so they can focus public funds on other critical projects.
KP: Can Nigeria realistically meet the 2030 sanitation target?
ORA: Yes—if policymakers are committed. It requires:
• Clear federal policy direction.
• Enforcement at state and local levels.
• Strong public-private partnerships to ease financial burden.
The real challenge is political will, backed by monitoring and accountability.
KP: How can public-private partnerships be strengthened?
ORA: By encouraging experts to design innovative models and recognizing sanitation as a potential revenue stream for providers.
KP: Beyond toilets, what other efforts are vital for a clean, safe environment?
ORA: Environmental maintenance must be prioritized. A well-kept environment reduces the risk of cholera and other communicable diseases. Sanitation is not just about toilets—it’s about overall hygiene and sustainable public health.
This exclusive interview with Omoba Rasheed Awofeso highlights both the urgency of Nigeria’s sanitation crisis and the pathways toward sustainable solutions. His message is clear: without strong policies, partnerships, and political will, the country risks falling short of its 2030 sanitation goals.