With 179 million people living in unhealthy environments, Nigeria suffers an urgent environmental crisis. These concerning statistics were revealed in the 2024 State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) report, a research meant to evaluate the country’s development in Sanitation and cleanliness. Although this figure shows a development from the 183 million recorded in 2023, it emphasises the vital need for improved environmental Legislation and continuous efforts. Signed by Mr Ene Owoh, the National Coordinator for Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), an NGO, the STONE report follows the yearly Cleanest State Champions event “STONE 2024 Unplugged”.
The event underlined the need to tackle Nigeria’s sanitation issues through a multi-stakeholder approach that includes governments, local communities, and businesses. The study’s indicators are designed to motivate all-encompassing policies that strive for healthier living conditions and cleaner environments. The decline in Open Defecation is one encouraging development that this report notes. From 24% in 2023 to 20% in 2024, the proportion of Nigerians who practice open defecation declined. This development, however, opposes waste management’s challenges, especially in relation to recycling.
Several states uphold appropriate standards of sanitation and hygiene.
Rising Poverty levels have caused Recycling efforts to drop to 19% in 2024 from 26% in 2023, undermining waste-reduction efforts. The research also showed that just seven of Nigeria’s states uphold appropriate standards of sanitation and hygiene. These results highlight the unequal development among different areas and the immediate requirement of treatments catered to local problems. Some states have been outstanding in their environmental initiatives despite general difficulties. One important finding of the STONE report was the 2024 Cleanliness Performance Index, which ranked Akwa Ibom and Abuja as the cleanest regions in the country.
Akwa Ibom has set a model for others to follow through with its large expenditures on modern Waste Management technologies and citizen-oriented sanitation projects. The report also included a zone ranking system meant to boost regional cooperation and competitiveness. Every geopolitical zone was evaluated; the cleanest states were identified. These comprise Akwa Ibom (South-South), Enugu (South-East), Lagos (South-West), Plateau (North-Central), Borno (North-East), and Kaduna (North-West). Given their commitment to Environmental Health and sustainability, the recipients received the esteemed STONE Green Crystal Award.
Governments should promote healthy competition and innovation.
Also, the zonal rating system stresses the need for specialised treatments for the particular environmental problems of every area. This kind of interstate cooperation helps states to learn from one another and use best practices. The STONE initiative has given important new perspectives on the strengths and shortcomings of Nigeria’s environmental policies during more than six years of constant data collecting and analysis. The ratings have motivated governments to engage in healthy competition, therefore promoting Innovation and self-development. States with lower cleanliness indices, for instance, are increasingly evaluating their development against zonal champions, therefore guiding focused interventions and community-based initiatives.
This localised approach guarantees that ideas stay current and powerful. The STONE 2024 report is a wake-up call and a road map for action. Nigeria has to give environmental infrastructure, including waste management systems, public awareness campaigns, and sanitation facilities, a top priority to maintain development. Nigeria should bridge the gaps and apply successful solutions through cooperative initiatives. Collaborative efforts involving governments, NGOs, and private sectors are essential to bridge the gaps and implement effective solutions.
Related Article: Proposed Solution to Environmental Health
Lastly, a Culture of cleanliness and accountability can be promoted through grassroots programs that enable residents to take ownership of their environment. Results from the STONE report show that even modest successes, like decreasing the prevalence of open defecation, can have significant national-level effects. A nation’s dedication to its people’s well-being is reflected in the state of its environment. While improvements in hygiene and sanitation have been gradual, they do provide cause for optimism in Nigeria. The nation may open the path for a sustainable and better future by using the knowledge of the research and supporting cooperation in all spheres.