The Lagos State Government has entered into a partnership with a 24-year-old Mathematics graduate of the University of Ibadan, Adetokunbo Ogunnoiki, to deploy a real-time digital platform aimed at tackling open defecation across the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Tuesday via his X handle, revealing that the proposal was approved after a direct pitch by Ogunnoiki and his partner, Ademola Gbadero, a Mechanical Engineering student.
According to Wahab, the innovation—developed under the startup “LooPoint”—leverages geo-mapping technology to help residents locate clean and available public toilets in real time.
“They proposed a tech platform that uses geo-mapping to help Lagosians locate clean and available public toilets in real time, with features like cleanliness ratings, walking directions, and estimated arrival times,” Wahab stated.
He added that the founders had earlier deployed a similar solution within the University of Ibadan campus, where it reportedly improved access to sanitary facilities among students.
Wahab said he was impressed by the concept and the technical depth of the presentation, which was delivered before a panel that included the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, and the Director of Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth.
“I invited them in, listened to their presentation, and approved the proposal on the spot. I have requested a comprehensive budget for the next phase,” he added.
The partnership followed a viral social media pitch by Ogunnoiki, who argued that Lagos’ sanitation challenge goes beyond infrastructure deficits to include accessibility gaps.
“It’s not just a matter of constructing toilets, but making them findable,” he wrote, proposing the integration of the state’s existing 1,710 public toilets into a live, trackable system.
Under the proposed framework, users would be able to access the platform without downloading an application, while the government would gain access to a backend dashboard providing data on usage trends, maintenance needs, and sanitation conditions.
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Wale Ajetunmobi, said the developers presented a working prototype and outlined plans for scaling the system across Lagos.
He noted that while the proposal received strong backing, officials also identified areas requiring refinement ahead of full deployment.
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The initiative comes amid renewed efforts by the Lagos State Government to curb open defecation, including directives urging businesses such as filling stations, banks, and eateries to open their restrooms to the public.
Wahab reiterated that the government remains open to solutions-driven engagement from citizens.
“We welcome objective criticism that offers solutions. Governance is about collective responsibility and empowering the next generation,” he said.
