Open defecation turns Lagos market gateway into health hazard

By Uchechi Afonne

Traders and buyers at the Odo Olowu Warehouse Market in Lagos have decried persistent open defecation along the Oshodi-Mile 2 Expressway near Cele Bus Stop, describing it as a health risk and an embarrassment to the state.

The traders, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the situation has created an unpleasant environment for business and daily activities.

NAN reported that human waste was visible along the highway shoulder and around the footbridge leading to the busy market, exposing traders, commuters and motorists to foul odour and unsanitary conditions.

Mrs Michelle Agbo, a reseller of fairly used kitchen appliances, said visiting the market had become increasingly unpleasant because of the persistent sanitation problem.

“I like buying my goods here because the prices are competitive, but I dread crossing the road to enter the market.

“Everywhere is messed up and it is not a good image for Lagos. I often spend extra money taking alternative routes just to avoid the area,” she said.

Agbo blamed the situation on people who sleep around the corridor and use the area as an open toilet.

For Mrs Adebayo, a fish trader, rainfall worsened the problem.

“Whenever it rains, the smell becomes unbearable. It reaches our stalls and makes customers uncomfortable. Some people would simply leave without buying anything,” she said.

Ngozi, a second-hand clothes trader, said traders were paying a heavy price for the poor sanitary conditions in the market.

“We spend the whole day breathing in the offensive odour. It affects our comfort and raises concerns about our health.

“Our market should be a place where customers can stay and shop freely, but many people hurry away because of the smell,” she said.

She added that the situation had made her consider relocating her business in spite of the opportunities available in the area.

Mr Nnomso Ajaegbu, another trader, said the stench was usually strongest during hot afternoon.

“Customers complain regularly and some leave without making purchases,” he said.

Malaika Wandu, a household appliances trader, described the situation as embarrassing.

“We sell products here every day, yet people defecate openly nearby. It leaves visitors with a poor impression of the environment,” she said.

Sandra Mahmoud, a food vendor, expressed fears about possible health consequences.

“When it rains, the waste is washed into nearby drains. We worry about contamination because people eat and trade around here every day,” she said.

Some residents attributed the problem to the lack of accessible public toilets in the area despite the large number of people who pass through the corridor daily.

Abu, a commercial driver, called for more affordable sanitation facilities.

“We need clean and affordable public toilets. People should not have to choose between paying to use a toilet and relieving themselves in the open,” he said.

Another trader, Okechukwu, urged authorities to take urgent action.

“This is a major gateway into Lagos. Government should provide adequate facilities and ensure they are properly maintained,” he said.

Nigeria is pursuing a 2030 Open Defecation-Free target, while Lagos State has also pledged to eliminate the practice through improved sanitation infrastructure and public awareness programmes.

However, at Odo Olowu Warehouse Market, traders say visible human waste beneath the footbridge remains a daily reminder of the gap between sanitation goals and realities on the ground.

They insist that providing adequate toilet facilities, public education and regular maintenance will be critical to restoring dignity and cleanliness to one of Lagos’ busiest commercial corridors.