A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that Nigeria is experiencing significant socio-economic losses due to the widespread practice of open defecation.
UNICEF highlighted that approximately 48 million people in Nigeria continue to practice open defecation, primarily in rural areas, leading to adverse economic effects.
At the Media Dialogue on World Toilet Day 2023 in Bauchi, Clement Adams, the Officer-in-Charge/Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria Bauchi Field Office, emphasized the urgent need for change. The World Toilet Day is themed ‘Accelerating Change’, underscoring the country’s journey towards achieving SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation.
Adams stated, “Economically incentivizing sanitation through the approach of toilet business owners creates jobs and promotes income generation, steering us towards our goal of becoming open defecation free.”
He also stressed the need to intensify efforts in order to meet the sanitation target of SDG 6 by 2030. Access to safe and clean toilets plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases, protecting children, especially girls, and women from potential risks, and promoting school enrollment, attendance, and retention.
He added, “In Nigeria, about 48 million people still defecate in the open, predominantly in rural areas, resulting in severe socio-economic losses for the country.”
Furthermore, Adams urged for the replication of the achievements in Katagum LGA across the country, highlighting that out of 774 LGAs in Nigeria, only 105 have been validated as Open Defecation Free. The provision of improved toilets in schools, public spaces, homes, and health facilities is crucial in discouraging open defecation.
Prior to this, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Nuhu Zaki, praised the state government’s efforts, citing Katagum’s recent certification as Open Defecation Free as a testament to their commitment. Zaki revealed that 113,000 improved toilets have been constructed across the state, contributing to this achievement.
