Nigeria’s struggle to eliminate open defecation continues despite various efforts by governmental bodies and NGOs. The Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) recently voiced its concerns at an event in Lagos. They emphasized the urgency for the Federal Government to implement solutions, such as mobile toilets in markets.
NIEE’s National Chairman, Odukoya Moses, shared a grim reality: not one state in Nigeria can boast of having 20% of its toilet facilities as modern. A recent WASH-NORM report further paints a worrisome picture, indicating that approximately 48 million Nigerians still resort to open defecation.
This issue isn’t just confined to rural areas. Shockingly, Lagos State, one of the country’s prominent states, witnesses a rising trend in open defecation, posing significant health hazards to its inhabitants.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Executive Order 009, which aimed to declare Nigeria open defecation-free by 2025, hasn’t yielded the expected results. Nigeria remains the second country globally with such widespread practice, trailing only India.
City streets, particularly in Lagos, bear the brunt of this menace. Major thoroughfares, waterways, canals, and rail lines are often littered with human waste. Residents, including children, face the risk of various diseases due to such unhygienic practices.
A visit to the under-construction Lagos-Seme expressway showcases the grim reality. Men, and occasionally women, can be seen defecating openly, especially during the early and late hours. The audacity with which they carry out these acts, even in groups, is alarming.
According to a report by the Daily Post, many of these individuals are homeless, taking refuge under bridges, in garages, or inside abandoned vehicles. Some reside in houses lacking basic amenities, like toilets, leading them to this desperate measure.
Lagos mechanic Buraimoh John holds the government responsible. He believes that charging people to use public toilets is not the solution. He says, “In a major city like Lagos, public toilets should be abundant and free. Many people can’t afford the minimal charges, pushing them to defile the environment.”
Mrs. Chinyere Anokwuru, President of the SelfWorth Organisation for Women Development, shared her concerns about the potential health risks, especially for children. She suggests the government provide more mobile toilets and encourage communities to take responsibility.
Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, Consultant Psychologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, added a different perspective. He believes such behavior stems more from societal acceptance than individual mental health issues. “When a behavior is common and goes unpunished, it becomes normalized,” he remarked.
Lastly, Dr. Nneka Ossai, a medical professional, highlighted the severe health implications of open defecation. She said it spreads diseases and pollutes our air, leading to respiratory issues.
In summary, Nigeria’s open defecation crisis calls for collective action from governmental bodies, NGOs, and the public. Health and hygiene are paramount, and the time to act is now.
