FG Wahala Over Open Defaecation, Promise To Wipe Am Out By 2030

Over 45 million Nigerians still dey do open defaecation as only about 25 per cent of people get access to safe toilet facilities, but di Federal Government don vow say dem go end di wahala by 2030. Di Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, talk dis one during press briefing for 2025 World Toilet Day wey theme na “Sanitation in a Changing World,” and tagline na “We’ll Always Need di Toilet.” Lawal, wey Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari represent, yarn say di theme show how climate change, fast urban growth, and inequality dey weaken sanitation system. Lawal add say toilets dey foundation for public health, protect people, environment, reduce diseases, and uphold human dignity, but billions still no get access. For Nigeria, over 45 million dey practice open defaecation, and many schools, hospitals, and public institutions either no get functional toilets or dem dey poorly managed. Di wahala dey cause cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, and worm infection wey dey kill especially children under five. FG don show commitment through Presidential Declaration on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Executive Order No. 009 of 2019, and update of 2005 National Environmental Sanitation Policy. Dr Bahijjahtu Abubakar of Pollution Control talk say di situation dey high-risk for women, children, and vulnerable people, and di Red Cross Secretary General Abubakar Kende say sanitation na human right and urgent action dey needed.

For Oyo State, government, through OYORUWASSA with UNICEF and SATO, dey push for safe sanitation to prevent disease and protect environment. OYORUWASSA Chairman Alhaji Babalola Afobaje talk say toilets no be just facility, na life-saving infrastructure, important for public health, climate resilience, and dignity. Afobaje encourage partnerships and call for faster action to achieve Open Defecation Free Oyo by 2028. General Manager Adeniyi Adeduntan add say safe toilet access na constant need as women and girls dey most affected, facing abuse, poor health, and school absenteeism. Victor Oyejide of Recycledge and Young Water Professionals call for continuous education and awareness on dignified sanitation, highlight challenges for women, girls, and young people, and urge government and private sector to invest in innovative toilet solutions including mobile and static systems.