Despite the impending deadline to end the practice, the Federal Government revealed that approximately 48 million Nigerians continue to engage in open defecation, constituting 23% of the nation’s population.
Speaking at a public hearing organized by various House of Representatives Committees, Minister of State for Environment, Ishaq Salako highlighted the concerning statistics. He also pointed out that over 159 million Nigerians lack adequate handwashing facilities, emphasizing the need for constructing one million public toilets across the country’s six geo-political zones.
Suggesting the observance of the National Environmental Sanitation Day annually on June 28, the Minister stressed the importance of fostering awareness regarding personal and environmental hygiene among Nigerians.
Referring to the existing roadmap, Salako indicated a requirement of 43,000 toilets nationwide. However, the stark reality remains that 48 million individuals persist in open defecation, necessitating a minimum of one million toilets countrywide. Presently, only 5,004 toilets have been erected in public spaces.
Despite President’s approval of N63.6 billion spread over six years for the sanitation program, the actual funds received have been below the yearly allocation.
In response to the dire situation, efforts are being made to deploy sanitary health inspectors and empower the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency to enforce environmental laws effectively.
Highlighting a project slated for 2024 aimed at addressing the issue through enhanced reporting of environmental incidents via digital platforms, the Minister underlined the significance of enforcement for compliance with environmental laws and policies.
Chief Sanitary Inspector of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, Yakubu Baba, advocated for the establishment of a coordinating body at the national level to oversee sanitation efforts.
During the hearing, Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, expressed concerns over the escalating prevalence of open defecation in Nigeria and emphasized the urgent need for action by all levels of government to combat this issue.