FG again promises to end open defecation by 2025

The Federal Ministry of Environment has reiterated its commitment to implementing policies and programs aimed at ending open-air defecation in the country by 2025.

The Minister of State for Environment, Ishaq Adekunle Saleko, stated this yesterday during the public hearing of the Environment, Water Resources, Works, Ecological Fund and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Committees of the House of Representatives in Abuja.

Saleko said the ministry has initiated a program titled ‘Clean and Green’ in which one of the objectives is to eliminate open-air defecation in Nigeria by 2025 and sustainable total sanitation and the implementation of green technology initiatives in Nigeria.

He said the National Environmental Sanitation Policy and its guidelines for sewage and excreta management have been developed in the country.

He also said the ministry has “set up sanitary bureaus in the Ministries of Environment and FCT of the 36 states to monitor and ensure good environmental hygiene at community and household levels by conducting routine sanitary inspections of buildings and sensitizing the public to the dangers of open defecation and the importance of access to toilets in residential and public places.

“Conduct regular sensitization/advocacy and sanitary inspections of toilets in Federal Government and Unity Schools Nationwide owned institutions.

“National Environmental Sanitation Intervention/Response to Prevention and Control of Cholera Outbreaks in Abuja, FCT, marked with a series of planned activities aimed at controlling open defecation across the country, which have been implemented in Kogi, Nasarawa and Kano States.”

While declaring open the public hearing, Chairman Abbas Tajudeen said the urgent demand for additional toilets across the country cannot be ignored.

He said clean and safe sanitation is a basic human right that remains inaccessible to millions of citizens.

Abbas said flooding and gully erosion reported from Alur-uno and Aguata state communities in Anambra and Enugu should be investigated to address them.

According to him, these natural disasters not only have tragic consequences for the lives of citizens, but also have far-reaching consequences for various aspects of society.

“The devastation caused by flooding and gully erosion goes beyond the tragic loss of life; they have a significant impact on the economic stability of the affected regions.

“Businesses are facing disruptions, agricultural lands are being destroyed and vital infrastructure is being damaged, leading to significant financial losses and hampering economic growth,” he added.