The Federal Government has disclosed that approximately 48 million Nigerians continue to engage in open defecation, despite the country’s goal to eliminate the practice by 2025. Minister of State for Environment, Mr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, made this revelation during a public hearing held by the House of Representatives to address the issue of open defecation and flooding in Nigeria. According to the minister, the persistence of open defecation poses significant health risks to citizens, and there is a need for the construction of public toilets and facilities nationwide.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s slow progress in ending open defecation, urging citizens and stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at tackling the issue. The ministry has implemented some measures to combat the issue, including community-based interventions, public sensitization campaigns, and regular inspections of toilets in federal institutions. However, more efforts are required to achieve the 2025 target and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all Nigerians. Individuals, companies and the government at all levels each have a role to play in ending this problem.
All and sundry must contribute to ending the issue.
Open defecation is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with many communities lacking access to proper sanitation facilities. This has led to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and diarrhea, which pose a significant threat to public health. Salako emphasized that the construction of public toilets and facilities is crucial to addressing this issue, as it will provide citizens with a safe and hygienic environment to dispose of human waste. The minister highlighted the need for a collaborative effort to end this menace in Nigeria.
Also, he called on state and local governments, as well as private organizations and individuals, to support the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at addressing the issue. He emphasized that ending open defecation requires a collective effort and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of citizens. The public hearing also featured contributions from various stakeholders, including representatives from state and local governments, private organizations, and civil society groups. They emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach to addressing the issue, including education and awareness campaigns, infrastructure development, and community engagement.
Stakeholders say the root cause of the problem must be addressed.
In addition, the stakeholders highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of open defecation, including poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural beliefs. They emphasized that ending this requires a sustained effort to address these underlying issues and to promote behavioural change among citizens. The Federal Government’s commitment to ending open defecation by 2025 is laudable, but it requires a combined effort from all stakeholders. The construction of public toilets and facilities, community-based interventions, and public sensitization campaigns are all crucial steps towards achieving this goal.
However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of open defecation and to promote behavioural change among citizens. It is not just a health concern, but also an environmental and economic issue. The practice leads to the pollution of water sources, which can have devastating effects on aquatic life and human health. Additionally, the lack of proper sanitation facilities can lead to the spread of diseases, which can have significant economic implications for individuals, communities, and the country as a whole.
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Therefore, it is essential that all stakeholders to come together to address the issue of open defecation in Nigeria. This requires a sustained effort to promote behavioural change, improve access to education and sanitation facilities, and address the root causes. Importantly, the private sector and civil society organizations have a critical role to play in addressing the issue in Nigeria. They can provide financial and technical support to communities, as well as promote behavioural change through public awareness campaigns. Moreover, they can also advocate for policy changes and legislation that supports the elimination of open defecation.
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