Nigeria’s sanitation challenges persist, with over 45 million people still practicing open defecation, according to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal. This was revealed at a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Toilet Day, themed “Sanitation in a Changing World.” The minister noted that only about 25 percent of the population have access to safely managed sanitation facilities, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the sanitation crisis.
The United Nations General Assembly declared November 19th as World Toilet Day to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis, which affects billions of people worldwide. The day supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Six, which aims to provide clean water and sanitation for all.Lawal emphasized that access to toilets remains a foundation for public health, playing a crucial role in protecting people and the environment. However, in many parts of the world, toilets and sanitation systems are underfunded, poorly managed, or neglected.
Globally, about 4.2 billion people live without access to safe toilets, while in Nigeria, the lack of adequate sanitation facilities contributes to diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, and intestinal worm infections. These diseases claim lives, especially among children under five years of age. Poor sanitation also drives antimicrobial resistance and undermines Nigeria’s progress towards achieving SDG 6.2, which aims to ensure access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.
The Federal Government has committed to tackling sanitation challenges and achieving an Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2030. This commitment is demonstrated through the Presidential Declaration of a State of Emergency on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, and the signing of Executive Order No. 009, which is currently under review. The ministry and other stakeholders have also reviewed and updated the 2005 National Environmental Sanitation Policy, including guidelines for safe excreta and sewage disposal.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society has emphasized the urgent need to address challenges such as climate stress, poor funding, overcrowded urban areas, and cultural barriers. The organization is advancing solutions through the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control to improve sanitation and hygiene nationwide. According to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Nigeria loses about $3 billion annually due to poor sanitation, highlighting the need for increased investment in sanitation infrastructure.
The commemoration of World Toilet Day serves as a reminder of the significance of sanitation as a human right and the need for collective action to address the sanitation crisis. As Nigeria works towards achieving an Open Defecation Free status by 2030, it is essential to prioritize sanitation and hygiene, ensuring that all citizens have access to safely managed sanitation facilities and promoting a healthy environment for future generations.