Jife Williams & Adeola Asabia

Updated March 2009

The government of Lagos state in Nigeria is constantly striving to meet the sanitation needs of the area’s rapidly expanding population, projected to increase from 18 million today to 23 million by 2015. Recognizing a critical social need and a market poised for accelerated growth, Jife Williams founded MN Environmental Services in 2008. The company aims to build 57 sanitation facilities in Lagos state by 2014.

How did you become interested in helping people in Lagos state?

When I returned to Lagos from Angola in 2000, I noticed that nothing was working. My friends and I spent our time complaining about how the standards of living and services were going downhill. One day, I thought, “Instead of sitting around complaining, why don’t we do something?”

Why did you choose sanitation services?

Before setting up MN Environmental Services, I worked on a development project to provide public toilets to a parking area serving 600 people. Sanitation is a serious issue in Lagos state: 70% of people do not have access to working toilets. The government’s facilities are poorly built and maintained, so people stop using them. The government cannot handle this problem on its own. By constructing convenience facilities where people congregate, we can help solve it.

You founded MN Environmental Services in 2008. One year later, what have you accomplished?

We set up a pilot facility in a poor but pleasant community in Lagos state. The people took pride in their neighbourhood. In fact, they welcomed the prospect of good sanitation services, even if they came with a fee. Sometimes they were so pleased to have well‑maintained toilets and showers that they tipped the cleaners! They were also happy to participate in training programs. The aim was to get people to change their own communities, rather than waiting for the government to provide for all their needs.

We’ve also established a relationship with the state government. Because the land is under its jurisdiction, we are working with the authorities under concession contracts: we build the amenities, then turn them over to the government after 20 years.

What has been the most rewarding part of your project so far?

Since we installed our pilot facility, people have been so appreciative. This encourages me to carry on. I can see that my project is affecting their lives in a very small way.

So what’s the next step?

With our development partners, we’ve started building a new facility at the New Alayabiagba market in Orile, on the western outskirts of Lagos. Construction should be completed in a few months.

Ultimately, I want to provide people in Lagos state with modern, clean amenities. Eventually we plan to set up one facility in each of the 57 local government areas in Lagos state. I also aim to raise people’s awareness about hygiene. We’ll hire people from local communities to be site supervisors, cleaners and security guards, and train them so that they can pass on health messages to users.

How do you see yourself as a role model for other female entrepreneurs?

Sanitation is certainly not the most glamorous activity I could have picked. But if you look at the bigger picture, you can see what an extraordinary impact it has on society. Women can see that it’s possible to develop a viable business from small beginnings, and at the same time have a real social impact. They can identify with a story like this and reconsider their roles in their own communities.

What advice would you give to women who want to develop their own business?

• Have a clear picture of your business in 10 years.
• Be driven and passionate about what you do. This enables you to get up every morning.
• Find business partners who share your vision and work ethic.
• Adapt to changing situations and conditions.
• Persevere. It’s the only way to overcome the challenges of starting out on your own.
• Remember what you bring to the table. Women can take their experiences from home and offer different perspectives on business. The challenge is breaking through the stereotypes and showing how capable you are.