Lagos Partners UI Graduate to Launch Real-Time ‘Toilet Finder’ App to Curb Open Defecation

The Lagos State Government has partnered with a 24-year-old Mathematics graduate of the University of Ibadan, Adetokunbo Ogunnoiki, to deploy a real-time “toilet-finder” platform aimed at tackling open defecation across the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development in a post on X on Tuesday, confirming that he approved the proposal submitted by Ogunnoiki and his startup partner, Ademola Gbadero.

The proposed platform, known as LooPoint, uses geo-mapping technology to help residents locate clean and available public toilets in real time. It also features cleanliness ratings, walking directions, and estimated arrival times.

Wahab said he was impressed by the innovation after listening to the duo’s presentation alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS, Olajide Babatunde, and the Director of Sanitation Services, Hassan Sanuth.

“Fascinated by the idea and impressed by their depth of work, I approved the proposal on the spot and requested a comprehensive budget for the next meeting,” the commissioner stated.

The collaboration followed a viral proposal Ogunnoiki shared on X, where he argued that the challenge was not just building public toilets but making them easily accessible.

“It’s not just a matter of constructing toilets, but making them findable,” he wrote, adding that the platform could map the state’s 1,710 public toilets while also integrating participating private facilities.

According to him, the system will include a data dashboard for the government to monitor usage patterns, cleanliness feedback, and maintenance needs.

Ogunnoiki and Gbadero later presented their proposal to ministry officials, demonstrating a similar solution they had successfully deployed on the University of Ibadan campus to help students locate available restrooms.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Wale Ajetunmobi, noted that the presentation outlined an advanced version of the platform designed for Lagos commuters, while also identifying areas for improvement ahead of its rollout.

Wahab added that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader sanitation drive and encouraged constructive public engagement.

“Governance is about collective solutions and empowering the next generation,” he said.

The development comes as the Lagos State Government intensifies efforts to eliminate open defecation, including urging businesses such as banks, filling stations, and eateries to make their restrooms accessible to the public, alongside the deployment of over 1,700 public toilets across the state.