The issue of open defecation in Nigeria is not just huge; it’s alarming, multidimensional, and poses a significant risk to the country’s health ecosystem.
The statistics are stark – according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), a staggering 48 million Nigerians actively engage in this unwholesome practice.
This number is a far cry from the 2025 target set by the national government to make all states completely free from this menace.
Past Stats: A Lingering Crisis
The gravity of open defecation in Nigeria is underscored by past statistics. In 2019, Nigeria surpassed India to become the number one country in the world when it comes to full-blown open defecation practices.
According to a recent NBS report, more than 47 million Nigerians were involved in open defecation, making it a widespread and deeply ingrained issue. This stark reality demonstrated the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustained effort to combat open defecation
Current Stats: Still a Daunting Challenge
Regrettably, Nigeria still holds that unenviable position, battling this challenge that undermines public health and safety. According to more recent data from the NBS, the number of Nigerians engaged in open defecation has risen to 48 million, emphasizing the persistence of this crisis. These statistics indicate the need for immediate and concerted action to eliminate this harmful practice and its repercussions on public health, environmental hygiene, and economic development.
Media’s Role in Fighting Open Defecation
Recognizing the gravity of the open defecation crisis, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) collaborated with the Oyo State Ministry of Information to organize a two-day media dialogue that held in Ibadan on October 18. This expòse was aimed to enhance awareness and reporting on open defecation activities, a critical step towards eradicating this menace.
One of the attendees, Fortune Omosola, a broadcast journalist representing Voice 89.9FM, Ado-Ekiti expressed deep concern about the situation and the threat open defecation poses to Nigeria’s economic and health systems. It’s evident that tackling open defecation is not just a health issue; it’s an economic and social one as well.
Hopeful Prospects for a Cleaner Future
With Nigeria’s open defecation reality reaching egregious heights, sanitation experts believe that, with the right funding, behavioral shifts, and sustainable roadmaps, the 2025 target set by the Federal government can still be substantially reached.
Challenges and Future Projections: Sanitation Experts’ Insights
During the media dialogue, Mr. Monday Johnson, a water sanitation and hygiene specialist with UNICEF, shared some staggering statistics that shed light on why Nigeria lags behind and could remain in this precarious position until 2046 if immediate measures aren’t taken.
These statistics serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue. His challenge to state governments to adopt successful approaches, such as the one implemented by India, reflects the potential for positive change if we act decisively.
Government’s Commitment and Ongoing Efforts
The commissioner for information in Oyo State, Prince Dotun Oyelade, urged the journalists to double their awareness efforts and work closely with organizations like UNICEF to saturate the public space with valuable information on the risks of open defecation. He believes that the media plays a pivotal role in influencing public perceptions and actions.
This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Adewale Raji, the General Manager of the Rural Water and Sanitation Agency in Oyo State (RUWASSA), as he explained the 2028 target set by Oyo State and the government’s zero tolerance for filth. Unfortunately, open defecation statistics in Oyo State are still largely unimpressive, with 41 percent of residents continuing to defecate in open spaces.
Our Collective Responsibility and Call to Action
In Nigeria, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, only 59 million Nigerians have access to basic toilet facilities, while a staggering 48 million others engage in open defecation. This hazardous practice threatens the country’s health systems, contaminates portable water sources, and undermines hygiene.
It is therefore imperative than ever before to unite against this crisis, demanding action from governments to develop infrastructure for sustainable access to efficient and reliable water for all citizens.
Written by Fortune Omosola ( Broadcast Journalist, fortunedexcel@gmail.com)
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