Patronage and Physical Planning Implication of Public Toilets in Agege, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper appraises the state of public toilets in Agege, Lagos, Nigeria. The paper reports findings from a research conducted by the authors. The objective of the study includes the examination of the socioeconomic characteristics of people patronising the toilets, and the condition of the toilets. A research instrument was designed to elicit data from various respondents identified. The sample size for the study was 327 respondents cutting across the research population identified. These respondents were selected through purposive sampling method, since it is difficult to identify usual patrons of the public toilets. Research findings show that the condition of most of the toilets was bad. In addition, it was discovered that locating the toilet was difficult as proper signposts were not in use. Deterrents to users of the public toilets include dirty environment, odour, flies and inadequate privacy.  Suggestions proposed include enforcement of signposts, training of operators on the importance of adequate sanitation, upgrading of the toilet facilities and regular monitoring of private operators for compliance with sanitary regulations.

Keywords: Public Toilet, Agege, Sanitation, Sanitary Facilities, Signage.