The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to addressing sanitation challenges, including eradicating open defecation in the country.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal highlighted this during a press conference in Kano, as part of activities earmarked to commemorate World Toilet Day, on November 19, 2024.
Represented by the director of pollution control and environmental health, Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar the minister noted that World Toilet Day is observed globally to raise awareness about the critical role sanitation plays in human health and dignity.
This year’s theme, “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” emphasises the connection between sanitation and global security. Lawal reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to safe toilets by 2030, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 6.
He warned that inadequate sanitation facilitates the spread of deadly diseases like cholera and typhoid. The minister also emphasised the ecological impact, noting that open defecation pollutes ecosystems and threatens biodiversity.
Lawal highlighted the 2019 Executive Order on Open Defecation-Free Nigeria by 2025 as a significant step forward. He urged community-based interventions and the adoption of the Clean and Green Programme to increase access to safe toilets in public places.
The ministry announced activities to mark the day, including advocacy campaigns, sanitary inspections and youth engagements, as outlined by its head of press and public relations, Ibrahim Haruna.
