The urgent call to end open defecation in Nigeria
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads in its pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in achieving universal access to sanitation.
A recent UNICEF report reveals that the country needs approximately 20 million toilets to eliminate the rampant practice of open defecation—a stark indicator of our national failure with just seven years remaining until the 2030 deadline.
UNICEF’s Chief of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Jane Bevan, emphasised this need for action at a recent event in Lagos, stating, “We need political will to tackle open defecation.We need to make it real and make washing our hands a priority.”
Her words resonate deeply as they highlight the urgent need for political commitment and public engagement in eradicating this unsanitary practice.
Open defecation remains a staggering challenge in Nigeria, exacerbated by a lack of urgency among many citizens. According to Worldmapper, the highest number of people practicing open defecation resides in India, followed closely by Nigeria and Indonesia.
Deputy Director of the Clean Nigeria Campaign at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Chizoma Opara revealed that approximately 48 million Nigerians—23 percent of the population—still engage in this unsanitary practice, as reported in the 2021 WASHNORM study. The regional breakdown is troubling: the North-Central leads with 47%, followed by the North-East at 17%, North-West at 11%, and varying rates in the South, with 24% in the South-West and 23% in both the South-South and South-East.
Despite efforts, only 126 of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas have been declared open defecation-free, with Jigawa being the sole state to achieve this status. Katsina State has made progress, with 27 of its 34 LGAs free from open defecation.
The crisis is rooted in a complex mix of poor urban planning, rural neglect, ignorance, and pervasive poverty.
The lack of adequate toilets in schools, university hostels, public hospitals, stadiums, and motor parks perpetuates this shameful practice, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to eradicate open defecation in Nigeria.
In urban centres, many Nigerians find themselves resorting to this practice in broad daylight, highlighting a pressing sanitation crisis.
Recently, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency launched a campaign aimed at eradicating open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Despite their efforts—cleaning, monitoring, and even arresting violators—the problem persists, transforming the highway into an eyesore.
This issue extends beyond aesthetics; it presents significant health risks. Experts have linked open defecation to the spread of sanitation-related diseases, including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, trachoma, lymphatic filariasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. These diseases flourish in contaminated soil and feces, reinforcing cycles of poverty, malnutrition, and poor health.
We must tackle this issue directly, ensuring our highways and communities are free from the scourge of open defecation. The health and dignity of millions depend on our action.
UNICEF estimates that Nigeria loses around 150,000 children each year to diarrheal diseases, a crisis intensified by inadequate toilet facilities and poor sanitation.
Governments must prioritise investment in public toilets, incentivize their use, and engage in ongoing public education campaigns to combat open defecation.
Private companies and religious organisations can play a crucial role by offering mobile toilets and other essential facilities.
Nigeria should explore innovative policies to convert waste into energy and develop public restrooms that align with citizens’ lifestyles and social customs.
Local governments, states, and federal agencies should set clear, achievable targets for providing toilets equipped with running water.
Following a robust awareness campaign and adequate warnings, state authorities need to take decisive action against open defecation, implementing penalties as a necessary next step.
After a period of sensitisation and warnings, state authorities should clamp down on open defecation. Punishment should be next after this.
To achieve SDG 6.2 and create a healthier future for all Nigerians, it is imperative that we come together—government, private sector, and citizens alike—to end open defecation and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier nation.
This alarming situation demands immediate and decisive action from federal and state governments, as well as the private sector.
To combat open defecation effectively, a comprehensive approach is essential. We must not only invest in infrastructure but also foster a significant shift in individual and community mindsets regarding sanitation. Changing societal attitudes is just as important as physical resources in this fight.
