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Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal
No fewer than 47 million Nigerians still practice open defecation across the country.
The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Kano during the commemoration of the 2024 World Toilet Day organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The minister represented by Engr. Bahijja Abubakar expressed concern over the lack of adequate sanitation facilities in many institutions.
According to him, the absence of sewage systems and safe waste disposal mechanisms has led to water body contamination, endangering public health and the environment.
Engr. Abubakar, who further underscored the significance of World Toilet Day, which the United Nations General Assembly has observed since 2013 to address the global sanitation crisis, further noted, “This year’s theme is timely, offering a platform to promote behavioural change and inspire action. With only six years left to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 — safe toilets and water for all by 2030 — Nigeria must intensify efforts to meet this target,” she stated.
The minister emphasised the importance of investment in sanitation, noting that every naira invested yields significant public health and economic benefits.
The Federal Government, he said, is committed to addressing these challenges through policies such as the National Environmental Sanitation Policy and Executive Order 009, aimed at eliminating open defecation in Nigeria by 2025.
“I call on environmental health officers and sanitation inspectors to intensify routine inspections and ensure that every Nigerian has access to safe toilets,” he urged.
In his remarks, Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf reiterated his commitment to creating a resilient city by eradicating open defecation and prioritising good sanitation practices across the state.
Yusuf, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf highlighted the state’s efforts, saying the renovation of 15 public toilets at markets, schools, and motor parks are part of the administration’s dedication to ensuring sufficient toilet facilities across the state.
“Through our community-led sanitation initiative, in partnership with community leaders and UNICEF, we have successfully eliminated open defecation in 27 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano, which have now been declared open-defecation-free,” he said.
The governor added, “We have revitalised the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, restoring it to full functionality by procuring two payloaders, 10 refuse collection trucks, and refurbishing existing equipment. Additionally, we increased the casual staff allowance by 100 per cent to boost productivity.
“Our administration has established a legal framework to enhance water quality and improve the overall quality of life in Kano. To mitigate flooding, we conduct regular drainage clearance before the rainy season and construct new drainages where necessary. Furthermore, fumigation and pest control activities are carried out in public spaces to maintain a safe and healthy environment.”
In another remark, the 16th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, represented by the Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Labahani, called on district heads to ensure that their areas remain open-defecation-free.
He urged citizens and stakeholders to sustain the momentum in addressing sanitation challenges, stressing the shared responsibility of achieving a clean and healthy environment for all.
