Stench from open defecation envelopes CMS

Despite the bustling market activities, the numerous banking activities and thousands of commuters passing through, daily, CMS in Lagos Island is overwhelmed by filth.

For many residents, CMS is a major transit hub, connecting the island to various parts of Lagos. However, the unbearable stench makes the experience deeply uncomfortable when they need to pass through the corridor.

Sharing her experience, Mrs. Yemisi Alogba said: “The moment I stepped in this hot afternoon, the air was thick with a foul smell. At first glance, the area seemed orderly and clean — no refuse in sight, no overflowing bins — but as I walked further, the source of the stench became clear: faeces smeared on gutter slabs in multiple spots, puddles of urine darkening the corners. The whole place was drowning in filth.”

Also commenting, John Festus, a commuter, who frequently boards buses at CMS, shared his frustration: “I come here regularly to board bus, but I honestly try to avoid it because of the smell. Considering there’s a garage and a market around, this place shouldn’t be like this. It’s baffling why authorities haven’t done anything about it.”

Beyond the stench, open defecation poses severe health risks. Dr. Akintayo Adebayo, a medical expert, highlighted the dangers. “Open defecation leads to various health issues, especially cholera, dysentery, and typhoid in environments like CMS. Bacterial infections can even be transmitted through the air due to exposure to human waste.”

Children and vulnerable groups are at the highest risk according to Adebayo, adding that young children often cannot articulate their discomfort, making them more susceptible to illness:

“The impact on children is significant. Adults can communicate their symptoms, but children may suffer silently. Diarrhea — whether bacterial or viral — and parasitic infections like roundworm (ascaris) and tapeworm can become life-threatening if untreated,” he warned.

While many expect government intervention, Adebayo stated that the communities must take responsibility. “Government officials are in offices and may be unaware of the situation. The people in the community, however, know what’s happening. Understanding the dangers of open defecation, we must lead efforts to end it as a community,” he urged.

Several organisations work to improve sanitation by helping communities build toilets, but public awareness of their efforts remains low.

“Groups like Rotary Club, WaterAid International, and Lions Club support toilet construction in communities. March is recognised as Water and Sanitation Month, yet awareness is minimal. More effort is needed to inform people about the support available,” Adebayo stated.

He also underscored the importance of government agencies across all levels of governments to educate Nigerians on important issues, including raising sanitation awareness.

Regarding enforcement, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, Lukman Ajayi, was contacted on poor enforcement by its officers around CMS.

He said the agency is up and doing stating that those who defecate and mess up CMS and its corridor do it overnight when its officers are not visible in the area. “Anyone attempting open defecation during the day cannot escape arrest, as our officers are always on alert.”

To further deter offenders, he said that the agency plans to implement a new approach. “We are devising a method to shame those arrested by requiring them to clean the area where they committed the offense, in addition to prosecution. But we have been consistently arresting and prosecuting offenders,” the PRO added.