The Ogun State Government has sealed two fuel stations in Abeokuta for failing to provide functional public toilet facilities.

The affected stations are Conoil Fuel Station at Ibara and Moore Fuel Station at Asero.

The action was taken in enforcement of the Environmental Management (Miscellaneous Provisions) Law, 2006, and the Ogun State Public Health Law, 2020.

It followed an inspection exercise conducted by the Ogun State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement.

During the operation, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, highlighted the violations observed.

“It is unacceptable that a fuel station that has existed for decades like Conoil, Ibara, does not have a public toilet, while Moore Fuel Station, Asero, operates toilets that are in a deplorable state,” Oresanya said.

He noted that Conoil Fuel Station, despite operating for several decades, had no public convenience for customers and members of the public.

Moore Fuel Station was found to have dilapidated and non-functional toilet facilities.

Oresanya explained that state regulations mandate fuel stations, eateries, markets, and other public facilities to provide functional conveniences.

This requirement forms part of efforts to eradicate open defecation across the state.

Conoil Fuel Station will remain sealed until it provides a functional public toilet.

Moore Fuel Station must completely rehabilitate its toilet facilities before resuming operations.

“These two stations will serve as a deterrent to others. The taskforce is moving round the state, and any public facility found with non-functional conveniences will be sealed until necessary corrections are made,” he warned.

The commissioner stressed that compliance with the directive is non-negotiable.

He added that the state government would not hesitate to sanction any outlet found contravening the law.

The provision of public conveniences is critical to the drive to end open defecation.

Oresanya disclosed that more than 80 ultra-modern biogas public toilets have been provided across the state through public-private partnerships.

These facilities are particularly located in border communities such as Isheri, Kara, Wawa, Ibafo, and Mowe.

He urged commuters and visitors to make use of the available facilities.

The commissioner also called on event organisers to ensure the provision of mobile toilets at venues.

“Everyone must play a role. Providing movable toilets at event centres is part of contributing to the state’s efforts to eradicate open defecation,” he said.