Ogun State Government has sealed two filling stations in Abeokuta for failing to provide functional public conveniences within their premises, in violation of state environmental and public health laws.
The affected stations, Conoil Petrol Station in Ibara and Moore Petrol Station in Asero, were shut down following an inspection by the Ogun State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement.
Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, who ordered the closure, said Conoil Station, despite operating in the area for many years, had no public toilet for customers and members of the public.
He added that Moore Petrol Station had dilapidated toilet facilities that did not meet the standards set by the state government.
He explained that the action was in line with the Ogun State Environmental Management (Miscellaneous Provisions) Law 2006 and the Ogun State Public Health Law 2020, which mandate all fuel stations, eateries, markets, and public facilities to provide functional public conveniences as part of efforts to eradicate open defecation.
Oresanya stated that Conoil would remain closed until it installs a functional public toilet, while Moore Station must refurbish and make its toilet facility operational before it can reopen.
He warned that the closures should serve as a deterrent to other public outlets across the state, noting that the task force would continue monitoring compliance.
Any facility found without functional conveniences, he said, would be shut until necessary corrections are made.
The commissioner stressed that compliance was in the best interest of operators, as the government would not hesitate to enforce the directive aimed at ending open defecation in the state.
Highlighting government efforts, Oresanya disclosed that more than 80 ultra-modern biogas-powered public toilets had been provided across the state through public-private partnerships, particularly in border communities such as Isheri, Kara, Wawa, Ibafo, and Mowe.
He also urged commuters and visitors to make use of the public toilets provided and advised party organisers to install mobile toilets at event venues to support the state’s campaign against open defecation.
(Independent)
