Tackling Nigeria’s Open Defecation Crisis: A deep dive into a pervasive challenge

While the world advances towards modernization, the menace of open defecation continues to impede developmental efforts in Nigeria.

Open defecation, the act of excreting waste in unhygienic, open-air locations, persists not only in rural areas but also plagues cities and even educated segments of the population.

Shockingly, Nigeria overtook India as the world’s top open defecation nation in 2019, with an estimated 50 million Nigerians engaging in this practice.

What is OD?

Open defecation is the unsanitary practice of excreting waste in the open, such as fields, gutters, sidewalks, and public areas, rather than in hygienic and covered facilities.

This practice, deeply rooted in Nigerian society, extends from rural communities to urban centers and even to educated individuals in public spaces. In October 2019, Nigeria surpassed India as the global leader in open defecation, with an estimated 50 million Nigerians engaging in this hazardous practice.

The Stark Statistics

Dele Akindayo’s research for Elan highlights the dire situation: In 2019, Nigeria overtook India as the world’s number one open defecation nation. This is a staggering feat given that India has a population of 1.353 billion people and a land area of 3.287 million km², while Nigeria’s population is around 200 million people with a land area of 923,769 km². To reverse this trend, Nigeria must take lessons from India’s determined efforts to combat open defecation.

The Devastating Impact

Open defecation in Nigeria has devastating consequences, particularly for children. Over 100,000 children under the age of five die annually due to diarrhea, with 90 percent of these deaths attributed to unsafe water and sanitation practices.

Unfortunately, 1 in 4 children under five suffer from severe stunting, while 1 in 10 are wasted, all due to recurring episodes of diarrhea and other Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) related diseases.

Practical Solutions

Tackling the open defecation crisis in Nigeria requires a concerted effort from the government and its citizens. Here are some pathways to address this pressing challenge:

1. Investing in Sanitation Infrastructure:

The government must prioritize investments in sanitation infrastructure, including building public toilets and promoting proper waste disposal practices.

2. Public Awareness and Education: 

A comprehensive public awareness campaign is crucial. Citizens should be educated about the health risks associated with open defecation and the benefits of adopting proper sanitation practices.

3. Legal Frameworks and Regulations:

Enforceable laws and regulations should be put in place to deter open defecation. Penalties for violators can act as a deterrent.

4. Collaboration with International:

Nigeria can collaborate with international organizations that specialize in sanitation and hygiene to leverage resources and expertise.

5. Community Engagement:

Involving local communities in decision-making and solutions can promote a sense of ownership and encourage responsible sanitation practices.

6. Accessible and Affordable Toilets:

Ensuring that clean and accessible public toilets are available in public spaces, especially in urban areas, can significantly reduce open defecation.

Success stories and going forward 

To combat open defecation, Nigeria can draw inspiration from the successes of other countries. India, for instance, launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) to build millions of toilets and reduce open defecation. A similar campaign in Nigeria could make a substantial impact.

In reality, tackling open defecation in Nigeria is an uphill battle. The lack of resources, entrenched cultural practices, and limited awareness among citizens present significant challenges. However, the government’s capacity to enforce regulations and invest in sanitation infrastructure must be thorough.

It is therefore imperative for the government to take immediate action by investing in sanitation infrastructure, increasing public awareness, implementing regulations, and engaging with international partners.

Only through a collective effort can Nigeria combat this crisis and improve public health and hygiene.