Nigeria’s Sanitation Crisis: A Call to Action
In a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved sanitation, UNICEF’s Chief of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Nigeria, Dr. Jane Bevan, has revealed that approximately 48 million Nigerians lack access to toilet and sanitation facilities. This staggering figure highlights the country’s dire need for a comprehensive solution to its sanitation crisis.
Speaking at a private sector consultation in Lagos, Bevan emphasized the critical role the private sector must play in setting up public toilets and enhancing sanitation efforts. She stressed that sanitation is crucial for Nigeria’s development, and that building one million toilets will require significant investment. The private sector can help by setting up public toilets and providing business loans to develop sanitation-related businesses.
The Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, echoed Bevan’s concerns, estimating that 11 million new toilets are needed to address the crisis. Lafoucriere called for the involvement of young entrepreneurs in building and installing toilets, which would create jobs and promote sanitation as a business opportunity.
The Thematic Lead for WASH at the National Economic Summit Group (NESG), Nyanaso Gabriel Ekanem, emphasized the importance of uniting the private and public sectors to explore investment opportunities and ensure government support for sanitation policies and regulations. Ekanem highlighted the potential for private investment in sanitation products and facilities, particularly in public spaces like parks and markets.
The Director General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Olusola Obadimu, stressed the importance of improving hygiene standards in Nigeria. He noted that poor sanitation, especially open defecation, negatively affects the country’s image and deters foreign investors.
The Director General of the US Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Chinyere Alumona, underscored the significant health, social, and economic consequences of open defecation, seeking immediate action. She noted that over 48 million Nigerians still practise open defecation, leading to an annual economic loss of $1.5 billion due to health-related issues and reduced productivity.
Alumona highlighted the economic potential of investing in improved sanitation, citing studies that show a return of $5.50 for every $1 spent on sanitation improvements. She called for a unified effort from the government, private sector, and international organizations to tackle the crisis.
The Director of Water Quality, Sanitation, and Hygiene at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWRS), Elizabeth Ugoh, provided an overview of the progress and challenges in achieving universal access to sanitation. While there has been progress, only 126 out of Nigeria’s 774 local governments have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Ugoh emphasized the need for greater investment, better infrastructure, and stronger partnerships to close the gap, especially in rural areas.
The ministry is also working to create a new sanitation policy aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is urging the private sector to take a more active role in supporting these initiatives. The time for action is now, and it is imperative that all stakeholders come together to address Nigeria’s sanitation crisis and ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for its citizens.
