CHARACTERISTICS AND MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC TOILETS IN AGEGE, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Defecating and urinating in open spaces is a common phenomenon in developing nations especially in Nigeria. This study looks at the prevailing condition and management of public toilets in Agege Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos. Data were collected through the instrumentality of structured questionnaires. The study utilized The Simple random sampling technique to select operators and users in the 28 public toilets in the study area. The sample size of users was derived from periodic counts made on Mondays - serious working days in Lagos; Wednesdays ? mid-week day of climaxed hustling and bustling and; Saturdays - the last day of the week for weekend shopping and social engagement. Data collection was carried out in the dry season months of February and March, on the selected days, between the hours of 12.00pm and 5.00pm - a period of hot weather when the body system must have been hot and yielding to toilet services. Ten percent (10%) of counted users (340) out of 3249 was considered in this study for homogenous characteristics. Empirical analysis shows that: available public toilets are inefficient and insufficient; lack of adequate space provision; bad odour and lack of privacy were among the numerous challenges of users. This study recommends: sanitation mapping for accessibility, performance and appropriate location of public toilets; hygiene education for users; provision of adequate direction for all existing and proposed toilets and; institutional capacity building for staffers of government agencies responsible for management of public toilets in the study area.