In a bid to stop the spread of cholera in Lagos, especially in flood-prone areas like Ikorodu, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan to train informal food and water vendors, as well as waste workers on how to protect themselves and their communities.

The training, held in Ikorodu, is part of a larger emergency response initiative titled “Emergency Capacity Building of Informal Food and Water Vendors and Waste Workers in Flood-Affected Lagos to Combat Cholera Outbreak.”

Speaking at the event, Charles Uzoma, a representative of UNIDO, said the cholera outbreak in Lagos, which has already caused several illnesses and deaths, prompted the state government to seek international help.

“Lagos State reached out to UNIDO through LASEPA, and we in turn contacted the Government of Japan, who agreed to support this intervention,” Uzoma said. “Ikorodu was one of the areas affected by cholera. I’ve noticed that some parts here are surrounded by water, which increases the risk of flooding and water contamination which is one of the main causes of cholera.”

He added that improper waste disposal and practices like open defecation contribute greatly to the spread of the disease. The training, he said, is focused on showing vendors and waste workers how to protect themselves, keep their environments clean, and manage waste properly.

Yuka Furutani, Attaché (Development Cooperation) from the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, said Japan funded the project with $225,000 to support health and sustainable development in flood-affected areas of Lagos.

“Since June 2024, Lagos has faced severe flooding, which has led to a cholera outbreak. The state now accounts for 43 per cent of all suspected cholera cases in Nigeria.

“This training is for the people who serve food, supply water, and handle waste in vulnerable communities. We hope it gives you the tools and knowledge to become health champions in your areas,” she added.

Representing the General Manager of LASEPA, Tolulope Adebowale, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Environmental and Water Resources, said the training was timely and important, especially as cholera continues to threaten many communities in the state.

Also speaking at the event, Director of Land and Water Pollution Control at LASEPA, Faderera Koko, advised food vendors and waste workers to always dispose of waste properly to prevent the spread of disease.

“We must all take responsibility for how we manage waste. Keep refuse away from where you sell food, use the government provided bins, and always cover your waste,” she said.

Koko further advised residents to stop giving their waste to cart pushers, as they are not approved by the government and often dump waste improperly. Instead, she encouraged using PSP operators, the only government approved waste collectors. She also urged residents to separate plastic waste and hand it over to government recognized recycling agents in exchange for money.

“We are promoting recycling across the state. Let’s support this effort by sorting our waste and protecting our environment,” she added. Participants at the event were educated on the causes and symptoms of cholera, and how to prevent it through proper hygiene, clean food and water practices, as well as responsible waste disposal.