As Nigeria observes World Toilet Day, it has been revealed that approximately 47 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, a practice contributing to significant public health and environmental challenges. This alarming statistic was shared by the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, during the commemoration of the 2024 World Toilet Day in Kano, organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Represented by Engr. Bahijja Abubakar, the Minister expressed grave concern over the lack of adequate sanitation facilities in many parts of the country. He highlighted that the absence of proper sewage systems and safe waste disposal mechanisms has resulted in water body contamination, further endangering public health.
Emphasizing the significance of World Toilet Day, Abubakar noted that the theme of this year’s observance is timely, serving as a platform to promote behavioral change and inspire action towards improving sanitation. She pointed out that with only six years remaining to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6—safe toilets and water for all by 2030—Nigeria must accelerate its efforts to meet the target.
Abubakar also underscored the importance of investment in sanitation, noting that every naira invested in sanitation brings significant public health and economic benefits. In response to the challenges posed by open defecation, the Federal Government is implementing policies like the National Environmental Sanitation Policy and Executive Order 009, with the aim of eliminating open defecation in Nigeria by 2025.
The call for action was further supported by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, reiterated the state’s commitment to eradicating open defecation. He highlighted the state’s efforts, including the renovation of 15 public toilets and the successful elimination of open defecation in 27 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano. These areas have now been declared open-defecation-free.
Additionally, Governor Yusuf spoke of the revitalization of the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, improvements in waste management infrastructure, and efforts to enhance water quality and flood control.
The 16th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, represented by Alhaji Yusuf Labahani, also called on district heads to ensure their areas remain free from open defecation. He emphasized that addressing sanitation challenges is a shared responsibility, requiring sustained efforts from both citizens and stakeholders to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all.
