Nigerian Government tasks stakeholders to end Open Defecation

By Hikmat Bamigboye

The Nigerian Ministry of Water Resources has tasked Nigerians and relevant Stakeholders to take ownership of the World Toilet Summit scheduled for next month to drive the crusade to end open defecation by the year 2025.

Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu stated this while addressing journalists at a World Press Conference on World Toilet Summit in Abuja the Nation’s Capital.

Mr Adamu noted that Nigeria would be the second African nation to host the event After South Africa.

The Minister however expressed worry that about forty-eight million Nigerians are defecating openly and this has necessitated the approval of the National Campaign Against Open Defecation by the Federal Executive Council in May 2019 so as to mobilise all strata of the society in fighting against the practice.

“This year’s summit is a unique event where stakeholders will brainstorm on finding a solution on ending open defecation. It will also be a game changer as it is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy of ending open defecation by 2025 and also lift one hundred million Nigerians out of poverty. According to him, the World Toilet Summit aims at facilitating global conversation around the creation of sustainable sanitation markets that will actively stimulate economic growth within the sanitation value chain, expose the financial gains inherent in sanitation technology and encourage private sector innovation. With the hosting right granted to Nigeria, it is expected that it will be a massive boost to the campaign in such a way that the information about ending the menace of Open Defecation will be taken to all nooks and crannies of the country.” Minister Adamu added.

“ It is important at this point to effectively communicate the activities lined up for the Summit to all Nigerians and the other stakeholders across the world. Joining the session virtually from Singapore, Founder of the World Toilet Organization WTO, Mr Jack Sim promised to work together with Nigeria and other countries by creating synergy in areas of enhancing environmental safety. He equally extolled the Minister for his doggedness and commitment towards realization of this agenda. Safe hygiene of toilets as necessary for good sanitation in ensuring the well-being and health of a society.” Mr Sim added.

In her virtual remarks, the UNICEF representative, Jean Bevan harped on the vital roles of sanitation to the survival and well-being of children in safeguarding their health.

She appreciated Nigeria for working tirelessly in ending open defecation.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack noted that the summit is an opportunity which will enable participants, exhibitors and other stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector to have a wider range of vision within the sanitation value chain.

She urged journalists to ensure dissemination of accurate and correct informative messages about the Summit to the general public for the creation of awareness on new innovations, instant exposure on its benefits for increased technological, cost effective investment, and entrepreneurial potentials.

Also, the National Coordinator, Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, OPSWASH, Dr Nicholas Igwe stated that the choice of Nigeria for the summit was a clear endorsement of the commitment and political will of the Federal Government towards Water, Sanitation and Hygiene delivery in Nigeria.

He added that environmental sanitation is a non-negotiable issue and it is heartwarming that Nigeria is taking the lead.

The World Toilet Organization is a global non-profit organization committed to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide