So yesterday on my way home, I was so pressed and had to use a public toilet in Nigeria as soon as possible. As I sat inside the bus, I silently prayed that the traffic would ease off on time so I could get home before my situation got out of hand.
But the traffic wasn’t clearing out anytime soon, so I got down from the bus and made my way to the first fast-food restaurant around. What I saw there was an eyesore.
Tissue paper littered on the floor, fermented urine stench, and other unimaginable things welcomed me to the so-called restroom—that’s after they insisted that I buy a snack before using the restroom. All these got me thinking: how do people use the so-called government-owned public toilets if a toilet in a restaurant is as bad as the one I saw?
Here are a few things you should consider before using a public toilet in Nigeria.
1. Charges
You are really pressed, and luckily, you found a public toilet to use. The only problem with the public toilet is that there is a porter at the entrance who insists on your collecting N20 or N50. The sad part is you may not be with your purse, and if you are, the change may not be available for you to give the porter. How can you be asked to pay before using a public toilet, you may ask? Welcome to Nigeria!!!
2. This Is Not A Restroom
This is not a restroom; I think this should be written boldly on the doors leading to Nigerian public toilets. You have to stop the moment you get to the entrance of Nigerian public toilets, because you will be welcomed with the strong, putrid smell of urine, water on the floor, used tissue papers littered around, etc. At this point, you get confused; you have a tough decision to make: whether to manage the toilet while the strong smell of urine stings your nose or to walk away from there and find another toilet. What were you expecting, by the way, that the public toilet would be as neat as your own toilet?
3. Water Situation
Water is life; always remember that. Another funny fact about Nigerian public toilets is that they do not have enough water to flush if you are using a WC toilet. At this point, you may have to pay extra for the porter to help you with water. Some uncultured people cover the mess and find their way.
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4. Hygiene
Personal hygiene matters a lot; I can say that all day. If you find yourself in a situation that leads to using a public toilet, try as much as possible to maintain proper hygiene. Wash and sanitize your hands properly before and after using a public toilet.
After using a public toilet, if you start discovering rashes on your buttocks or anywhere on your genital area, it is advised that you go see a doctor as soon as possible, as you may be experiencing some kind of toilet infection, and early diagnosis and treatment are the key to dealing with this situation.