To tackle the growing threat of cholera outbreaks in Lagos, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in partnership with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), has launched an awareness campaign aimed at food and water vendors, waste workers, and students in flood-affected communities.

This initiative supported by funding from the Government of Japan, is designed to build the capacity of street vendors and workers who are often the most vulnerable during cholera outbreaks.

The seminar held in Ikorodu, themed, “Emergency Capacity Building of Informal Food and Water Vendors and Waste Workers in Flood-Affected Lagos to Combat Cholera Outbreaks”, brought together vendors, local council officials, health experts,and students from three secondary schools in Ikorodu.

Commenting at the event, General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said Lagos State government is actively responding to recent cholera outbreaks, especially in Ikorodu and Badagry, through a multi-layered strategy that include increased surveillance, public health education, improved sanitation, and free treatment for suspected cases.

He stressed the agency’s ongoing role in tracing contaminated water sources, promoting hygiene, and preventing further spread. “We are working closely with various partners to ensure Lagos residents are better informed and better protected,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Charles Uzoma, representing UNIDO, explained that the focus on street vendors stems from data gathered during previous outbreaks, which showed that some locally prepared drinks like kunu and zobo were made using unsafe water. This, he said, made street food vendors and water vendors a ‘weak link’ in the chain of public health.

He emphasised that the problem is made worse by regular flooding, which often carries wastewater and sewage into clean water sources, especially in areas with poor infrastructure. “Cholera outbreaks in Nigeria usually happen during the rainy season, and Lagos is particularly vulnerable due to its location and rising population,” he said. “That’s why this project is focused on the most exposed areas, and what people consume everyday.”

The enlightenment session included discussions on safe water handling, the importance of clean containers, and the dangers of using untreated water. Food and water sellers from Ikorodu, many of whom had never received formal health training, listened attentively as facilitators demonstrated practical hygiene tips to prevent contamination.

Director of Sanitation at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Hassan Sanuth, gave further context to the challenge. He noted that many communities in Lagos are situated below sea level and are, therefore, at greater risk of flooding. As the city becomes more crowded and infrastructure gets stretched, he said, even once-safe water sources are becoming unsafe due to pollution and unregulated activities.