The Federal Ministry of Environment has commissioned a state-of-the-art smart toilet facility at Orange Market in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria, in line with national efforts to advance sanitation priorities highlighted by World Toilet Day.
The community engagement activities and the commissioning of the Smart Toilet Facility in Orange Market formed part of the initiatives marking the 2025 World Toilet Day.
Speaking during the commissioning Minister of Environment Mr Balarabe Lawal underscores the urgent need to address emerging environmental and public health challenges driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of environment Mr Mahmud Kambari, the Minister emphasized the nation’s renewed commitment to ensuring access to safe, clean, and sustainable sanitation for all Nigerians.
He noted that “access to safe toilets is a fundamental human right essential for protecting public health, preserving the environment, and promoting economic productivity.”
He stated, “Poor sanitation contributes to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio. Access to a safe and clean toilet is not a privilege but a fundamental human right that protects health and safeguards our environment.”
Lawal explained that the World Toilet Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly, aims “to draw global attention to the billions of people living without access to safe toilets.”
Celebrated annually on November 19, the event brings together governments, development partners, civil society, and communities to evaluate the state of sanitation and renew commitments to safe and sustainable sanitation practices.
He noted that this year’s theme, “Sanitation in a Changing World,” is especially relevant as it reflects the environmental, social, and public health challenges affecting Nigeria and the global community.”
“Despite progress, Nigeria still faces significant sanitation gaps. Citing national health data, the Minister highlighted that access to improved sanitation remains below 36% for a large segment of the population, particularly in markets, motor parks, schools, and other public spaces. This deficit contributes to widespread open defecation and increased exposure to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis,” he said.
He described the facility as a model of modern sanitation technology suitable for high-traffic public spaces and aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to green, climate-resilient infrastructure.
Also speaking at the event, Regional Coordinator of the GTFCC Country Support Platform (IFRC), Dr. Stephen Ohize emphasised that access to clean, safe, and dignified toilets remains one of the most effective tools in preventing cholera and other waterborne diseases.
“Cholera spreads where there is open defecation, poor waste management, and unsafe water. A public toilet in a busy market like Orange Market is not just a project; it is a powerful tool that protects health, strengthens business, and upholds dignity—especially for women, girls, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities,” Dr. Ohize said.
Dr. Ohize reaffirmed “the commitment of the GTFCC and IFRC to supporting Nigeria through hotspot mapping, community engagement, improved surveillance, coordinated planning, and investments in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).”
“Our pledge today is simple: we will continue supporting multisectoral collaboration and evidence-based actions that bring us closer to a cholera-free Nigeria,” he added.
In his remarks, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Margaret Elayo, commended the initiative, describing the smart toilet and the previously provided air pollution monitoring facility as meaningful interventions that will enhance community well-being.
He said, “A toilet is not a luxury; it is a necessity. To the people of Orange Market and the trade unions, I appeal to you to take this project as your own. When government provides a project, it becomes the responsibility of the community. I urge everyone in the market to take full advantage of it and do the right thing for your environment.”
The Executive Chairman Karu Local government Council, Mr Abubakar Madaki urge traders, market leaders, transport unions, and residents of Orange Market community, to take ownership of the property, use properly, keep it clean, and protect it from vandalism.
“Orange Market is one of the busiest commercial hubs in our Local Government. Thousands of traders, buyers, transporters, and visitors converge here every day. With such heavy human traffic comes the need for proper sanitation facilities to prevent environmental pollution water contamination and the spread of diseases,” he said
“Karu Local Government remains open to more partnerships that will uplift the health, economic, and social wellbeing of our people.
“As we commission this Public Toilet Project today, let it be a reminder that development is meaningful only when it touches the lives of the people directly. Together, let us continue to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier Karu for us
the future generation to come” he added
The project, is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment, Bhustan Energy and Environmental Services Ltd, and Rural Women Energy Security, RUWES targeting traders, transport workers, and market users to promote proper sanitation, hygiene, and safe waste disposal.