NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Environment

FG, NYSC partner to curb open defecation

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced a partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to address open defecation and poor sanitation  challenges in the country.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, communicated this at a workshop for NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) Focal Officers of the Clean Nigeria Campaign on Thursday in Abuja.

Pheelangwah was represented by the Director of Reforms and Coordination in the Ministry, Mr Moses Jo-Madugu.

He said that the government had implemented the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programmes to improve poor sanitation indicators.

“The Clean Nigeria Campaign is a clarion call to action; we are excited to collaborate with the NYSC to mobilise Corps members nationwide.

“Through your CDS activities, we aim to trigger a sanitation revolution to end open defecation in Nigeria.

“With our recently reviewed Strategic Plan, unveiled the Vice-President on Nov. 19, 2024, we believe that activities will be rolled out in line with the YouthWASH Strategy.

“We count on your active participation and engagement; this will accelerate progress towards our common goal,” Pheelangwah said.

In her address of welcome, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation in the ministry, said the training aimed to equip NYSC CDS officers with the skills to contribute effectively to the Clean Nigeria Campaign.

“Over the next two days, we will explore key strategies, share best practices and engage in collaborative activities.

“These activities are designed to inspire and empower you.”

Ugoh emphasised that the campaign was not only about achieving goals but also about building a passionate community committed to making a positive impact in the sanitation sector.

“Your involvement is crucial; we believe that through this training workshop, you will gain valuable insights that will enhance your role in our efforts to reach individuals in communities across the country,” she said.

She urged the NYSC CDS officers to actively participate in knowledge-sharing.

According to her, it is a collaborative effort and every voice matters.

NYSC Representative, Mrs Funmilayo Ajayi, said that the partnership aimed to raise awareness about hygiene and sanitation at the grassroots level.

Ajayi pledged readiness to work closely with the ministry for a cleaner society, adding that the collaboration would ensure grassroots communities were educated about proper sanitation practices.

In her presentation, the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign, Mrs Chizoba Opara, said that a defecation-free Nigeria was everyone’s responsibility.

She added that the collaboration would involve conducting community awareness campaigns through corps members to promote behavioural change.

In his goodwill message, the National Coordinator of the YouthWASH Initiative Africa, Mr Nature Obiakor, said the National YouthWASH Strategic Framework was unveiled in 2023 to promote youth engagement in WASH initiatives.

Obiakor, who stressed that the youth were highly creative, called for more collaboration from stakeholders in the water sector.

He said that the partnership would help build a cleaner and healthier nation for future generations.

“Our efforts are aligned with national and global goals; these include the Clean Nigeria Campaign and the Sustainable Development Goals,’’ he said.

The two-day workshop, organised in collaboration with Self Help Africa, had participants from all 36 states and the FCT.

The event aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the ministry and grassroots organisations to achieve sanitation goals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Environment

NIHSA strengthens water management framework

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By Tosin Kolade

The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving water resource management through strategic policies and programmes.

The agency’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, made this commitment at a workshop on Monday in Abuja.

The workshop was to validate the draft regional Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for the Niger Basin and the Iullemeden-Taoudeni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems (NB-ITTAS).

Mohammed stated the workshop’s importance in educating stakeholders about improving the management, governance, conservation, and protection of water resources.

“Strengthening water resource management frameworks and institutions in the region will significantly enhance the livelihoods of citizens, ” he said.

The NIHSA D-G emphasised the need to boost water resource availability by improving groundwater recharge systems and enhancing existing groundwater extraction facilities.

He also stressed the importance of raising awareness among local stakeholders and building their capacity for the sustainable management and protection of water resources.

“It is essential to ensure that local stakeholders are informed about these issues and equipped to improve water resource management and protection.

“Water resources must be managed efficiently and adaptively by implementing economically viable agricultural practices resilient to climate change,” Muhammed said.

He further said that NIHSA’s capacity was being strengthened for effective quantitative and qualitative monitoring of the region’s water resources.

Prof. Tiegaan Amada, Regional Consultant for the NB-ITTAS Strategic Action Plan, said that the workshop aimed to identify and address gaps in existing water resource policies.

He said that the initiative integrated the management of surface water, groundwater, and related ecosystems to improve water security for the population.

“By analysing policy gaps, this initiative creates an opportunity to introduce strategies that promote the joint management of surface and groundwater resources and associated ecosystems,” Amada said.

The Director of Hydrogeophysics at NIHSA, Mr Stephen Jabo, announced plans to establish an institutional body to manage the shared water resources of the participating countries.

Jabo highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, especially in the Sahelian regions where water scarcity is a critical issue.

“A mechanism will be established to govern and manage shared water resources, encompassing both surface and groundwater systems.

“For Sahelian regions facing acute water scarcity, it is vital for the countries involved to collaborate effectively to manage these limited resources,” he said.

He identified six participating countries; Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Mauritania,  that are expected to foster regional cooperation for the NB-ITTAS Aquifer System.

Jabo said that each country was dedicated to building a strong knowledge base for shared water resources.

He said that they were also establishing governance frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable management for current and future generations.

“This workshop aims to facilitate collective commitment among these nations to equitable sharing and sustainable management of joint water resources, benefiting both current and future generations,” he said ”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahma

Environment

U-Save foundation donates solar borehole to FCT community

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By Akpan Glory

U-Save Foundation, an NGO has unveiled a solar-powered borehole to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in Area E community Nyanya, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the commissioning on Saturday, the Executive Director of the foundation, Uju Rochas-Anwuka said the project aims to provide residents with access to clean water.

She also emphasised the importance of educating the community on basic hygiene and sanitation, stressing that these are vital for fostering healthier lives and stronger communities.

Rochas-Anwuka further noted that the community was chosen for the intervention following rigorous evaluations, meeting the criteria to qualify for the initiative.

Olu-Daniels Ibiyemi, Director IV of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the foundation for its commitment to sustainable development.

He highlighted the organisation’s role in advancing the national water strategy by employing renewable energy to enhance water access.

Ibiyemi assured that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, to develop solutions that ensure all Nigerians have access to safe and clean water.

He described the project as an important step towards building a more resilient and water-secure future for the country.

Paul Akawu, Youth Leader of Pyape and representative of the District Head of Nyanya, expressed appreciation for the borehole, urging the community to take responsibility for its maintenance.

He encouraged residents to contribute a token towards its upkeep to ensure its sustainable use.

Similarly, Asabe Sani, a community leader in Area E, Nyanya, thanked the foundation for providing access to safe and clean water.

She said that the intervention had significantly reduced their struggles, as they previously had to walk several kilometres to fetch clean water.

Sani expressed hope for continued support from the foundation to address other pressing needs in the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the foundation is dedicated to creating a healthy and resilient society transformed by sustainable WASH practices, alongside climate change adaptation measures.

According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water, while 4.2 billion lack adequate sanitation, leaving one in three people without these basic human rights. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

FG seeks to foster environmental sustainability

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By Abigael Joshua

The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) to foster long term environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

ACReSAL is a World Bank-financed project which aims to address climate change and land degradation in Nigeria’s northern states.

Mr Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at a technical session on the presentation and finalisation of the first phase of the developed Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) for ACReSAL states.

“ACReSAL project seeks to impact 3.4 million direct beneficiaries out of which 1.68 million (49.41 per cent) will be women,” Kambari said.

He noted that the 200 micro catchment management plans at the state levels would fit together with the 20 SCMP.

“Some catchment management plans have been developed in Nigeria by various MDAs, but this is the first time Nigeria will be developing catchment management plans covering a large landmass of this extent.

“The Hadejia Jama’are strategic catchment management plan, was selected to be finalised based on the government’s development priority and the promise to restore the Nguru wetland,”Kambari said.

Mr Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, represented by Mr Babatunde Segun, Director Water Supply and Support Services in the ministry noted that water was essential in the execution of the project.

“Together, we can make a lasting impact on the Hadeija Jama’are Catchment, ensuring its health, productivity, and viability for years to come,” he said.

Mr Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the workshop was a significant step forward in the collective efforts to enhance resilience in Nigeria’s semi-arid region.

Fashedemi who was represented by Mr Lawal Mohammed, Assistant Director Agricultural Land land Climate Change Management Services added that the workshop would refine strategies and validate collective vision for a resilient agricultural sector.

Dr Joy Agene Task Team Leader (TTL) for ACReSAL and the Senior Environment Specialist for the World Bank Catchment, noted the need to enlighten communities against the devastating effects of flooding.

She said the World Bank would always work with the states and community dwellers to finalise the document for efficient delivery.

“Under ACReSAL we have something we call the micro catchment management plans, this is done at the community level, It is site specific, however this can only be done by the state,” Agene said.

She however noted that the strategic plan which was being discussed is not done by the state but led by federal government agencies.

Mr Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL said that the project would deliver 20 strategic management catchment plans.

Umar said that the project is a pilot project led by the Ministry of Environment and co supported by the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security and Water Resources and Sanitation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Environment

FG to improve water supply in Air force bases- Utsev

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), to address water challenges at several Air Force bases across the country.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, revealed this collaboration during a meeting with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Utsev emphasised the role of water in ensuring the smooth operations of military personnel.

He disclosed that a technical team would be dispatched immediately to assess the water infrastructure at affected bases.

This evaluation, he added would focus on providing interventions to improve water supply for Air Force officers and personnel.

The Minister commended the Nigerian Air Force and other military formations for their contributions to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and assured continued support and collaboration.

Earlier, Abubakar revealed the pressing water challenges at Air Force bases in Gombe, Kaduna, and Bayelsa.

He appealed to the Ministry for urgent assistance to enhance operations at these locations.

The partnership, he said underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing essential infrastructure needs to support the armed forces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

Agency celebrates 171 ODF communities in Kwali council

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By Akpan Glory

Abuja, Dec. 2, 2024 (NAN) The FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has commended the efforts of 171 communities in Kwali Area Council that have achieved Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.

Mr Luke Ulom, the overseeing director of FCT RUWASSA, praised these communities during an event marking World Toilet Day 2024, held in collaboration with UNICEF in Abuja on Monday.

He commended the people of Kwali for their commitment to ending open defecation and urged them to continue adopting hygienic practices.

He stated, “This milestone demonstrates that behavioural change, driven by consistent sensitisation, is achievable”.

Mrs Aisha Bakpet from the Sanitation Department at FCT RUWASSA said that 171 communities in Kwali had been certified ODF following two years of sustained campaigns.

She noted the success of the pilot programme in Kwali, which will now be extended to other area councils within the FCT.

She explained that young people in all ten wards of Kwali have been trained as Toilet Business Owners to help sustain these achievements.

According to her, they are responsible for constructing toilets and educating their communities on the importance of sanitation.

Mr Sakiru Otusanya, UNICEF’s WASH Consultant, praised the collaboration between RUWASSA and the people of Kwali, urging residents to maintain their progress in sanitation.

Alhaji Abubakar Pai, the Emir of Pai, called for stronger stakeholder involvement to eliminate open defecation.

Similarly, Abdulaziz Usman, the Emir of Wako, encouraged household heads to prioritise the construction and use of toilets, emphasising the need for stricter sanitation laws to ensure compliance.

The Etsu of Kwali, Ayedo Luka Nizassan II, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and RUWASSA for constructing public toilets in schools and health centres.

He urged residents to continue their efforts to eradicate open defecation.

Mr Daniel Elisha, Head of Administration for Kwali Area Council, assured the public that sensitisation efforts would be strengthened to ensure lasting progress.

The event concluded with the recognition of Gumbo, Pai, and Kwali Central as the wards with the highest number of certified open defecation-free communities.

Signposts were installed in these wards to commemorate the achievement, and committees were established to ensure ongoing progress.

This year’s World Toilet Day, themed ‘Toilet: A Place for Peace’, highlighted the critical role of sanitation in promoting healthier communities.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, the annual observance addresses global sanitation challenges. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

Climate change: Netherlands to assist Nigeria curb methane emissions

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By Angela Atabo

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria to have a methane tracker to reduce emissions in the oil and gas sector.

The Executive Director of Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), Adam Heal, made this known in Abuja on Friday during a workshop organised by SDN in collaboration with Nigeria’s central government.

The workshop had “Presentation of the Prototype Methane Tracker” as its theme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released during oil and gas production, processing and transportation.

Heal said that methane affects climate change by contributing to increased warming and reducing its emissions is critical to mitigating it.

He said that methane tracker would enable Nigeria to monitor methane emissions, have credible methane emission data from emitters in the oil and gas sector, and help effective regulation.

“The SDN has been supporting the tracking and monitoring of methane emissions in Nigeria.

“The tracker is being developed by SDN in collaboration with the Federal Government and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“This is because we all know that without better identification of major methane sources, it will be difficult for government, relevant regulatory agencies and the private sector to identify and respond accordingly,” he said.

He said that the idea was to try and take more action on methane, getting a better baseline picture where emissions are occurring and staying on top as quickly as possible.

“Identifying new sources of methane is absolutely critical.

“What we are hoping to do is to build on freely available data from sources and integrate it into a platform which is tailored specifically for the needs of Nigerian regulators and industry,” he said.

Heal said that the tracker would serve as a one-stop shop to regulators and others, providing real information.

He said that it would also help to tell which companies were making efforts to reduce methane emissions.

“In some cases, some companies may be making efforts and they may not have the credible data needed to show it,” he said.

Dr Jude Samuelson, Head of Environment, SDN, said that the tracker would make it easy for the government and regulatory agencies to have credible data and help to report emission reduction globally.

According to him, this is necessary so that Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions will be correctly reported.

Samuelson said that the tracker was a ground breaking tool that, if well developed, would be useful for the regulatory agencies.

According to him, the workshop is the first phase of presenting the prototype to regulators in the oil and gas sector to get their feedback and recommendations.

Ms Adesola Olatunde, a representative of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, said that the tracker was a significant milestone for Nigeria.

“This is very critical and it is a a very good thing for the country.

“What is needed now is a detailed collaboration and engagement with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the tracker fits into our national priorities and then we can report appropriately,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Environment

WaterAid unveils sanitation, hygiene project in 4 Bauchi LGs

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By Tosin Kolade

WaterAid Nigeria on Tuesday inaugurated the ‘Accelerating Inclusive Sanitation and Hygiene Economy in Nigeria’ project to improve sanitation and enhance cholera interventions in four Bauchi local governments.

The 30-month project aims to benefit 900,000 people across Bauchi, Tafawa-Balewa, Misau, and Jama’are LGAs.

Ms Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, at the formal launch said the project adopts a multifaceted approach through infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and innovation.

Mere noted huge gaps in access to basic sanitation and hygiene in Bauchi from available statistics.

“While 60 per cent of the population has access to basic sanitation, only 19 per cent have access to hygiene facilities.

“Nevertheless, progress has been made, with nine LGAs in the state certified as Open Defecation Free.

“Our ultimate goal is to transform lives and foster sustainable development in Bauchi State,” she added.

She explained that one of the key objectives of the initiative is to improve infrastructure by constructing safe water and sanitation facilities, particularly in cholera-prone areas.

The initiative, she said, also focuses on economic empowerment by creating opportunities for women and youth within the WASH sector.

According to Mere, the project is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation through an inter-ministerial committee, in collaboration with the Bauchi state government.

She expressed gratitude to the state, federal ministries, the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF), and other stakeholders for their support in advancing this crucial intervention.

Aline Pawele, Country Fund Portfolio Manager for the United Nations SHF, called for increased collective action and investment in sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health.

Pawele emphasised the need to address gaps in these essential services and urged stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to this cause.

She also urged governments to increase public investments in sanitation and hygiene, prioritising access and services for underserved communities.

Pawele advocated for innovative financial models and technologies to unlock the untapped economic potential of the sanitation sector.

She encouraged development partners to align their strategies with government priorities and support both technical and financial objectives.

“The sanitation and hygiene sector is an emerging market with vast business opportunities.

“Entrepreneurs should be encouraged to explore its economic potential, particularly in hygiene products and waste management services”.

Pawele stressed that building a sustainable sanitation and hygiene market required collaboration across all sectors.

Awa Diagne, the World Bank Representative, highlighted the importance of urgency, innovation, data, and collaboration in addressing sanitation challenges.

She called for immediate and coordinated action to tackle Nigeria’s sanitation and hygiene issues.

“Nigeria’s alarming sanitation and hygiene statistics, combined with frequent cholera outbreaks, demand urgent intervention.

“Delaying action puts more lives at risk and exacerbates public health challenges.

“We must move away from ‘business as usual,’ as traditional methods have failed to deliver adequate results”.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the importance of collaboration, investment, and sustainable solutions.

Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, he noted that many communities still face significant barriers to accessing essential WASH services.

He highlighted the ministry’s numerous efforts and initiatives to reverse this trend which demonstrate a strong commitment to providing sustainable and inclusive WASH services.

“This project symbolises hope for underserved communities, aiming to address these gaps with impactful solutions,” he stated.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Bauchi State Government, the Ministry of Health, and other partners.

A key highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the Project Oversight Committee, comprising members from relevant ministries, to ensure effective implementation and sustainability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

Shettima urges governors to end open defecation

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has urged governors of the 36 states of the federation to double efforts to end open defecation in the next five years.

Shettima made the call on Tuesday during the 5th anniversary of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign and the launch of the Revised Strategic Plan at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima urged state governments to be deliberate in mobilising high-level political support to drive the campaign, especially at the sub-national level”.

He noted that sanitation sector in Nigeria has great economic opportunities for growth.

According to him, aligning these opportunities with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration could create jobs, provide alternative energy sources, and produce biological fertilisers.

“It is against this background that the need to re-strategise the critical elements that will progressively increase our level of advocacy and awareness came to be.

“The new Strategic Plan for the Clean Nigeria Campaign is a comprehensive, actionable framework for Clean Nigeria that will help to actualise the call for reasonable access to use a toilet by the year 2030.

“I, therefore, urge State Governors to provide the necessary support to drive the campaign at the State and Local Government Areas levels to achieve our target of an Open Defecation Free Nigeria within the next five years”.

Shettima cautioned against the hazards of open defecation, saying it is “a critical public health and environmental issue that compromises our water sources.

He added that it also spreads disease, and negatively impacts the quality of life, education, and economic productivity of the populace.

He said inadequate sanitation facilities to address open defecation pose a great risk, especially to women, girls and vulnerable communities.

The Vice-President, therefore, assured that the Tinubu administration was committed to the bid to end open defecation in Nigeria.

“The present administration is committed to the call for Open Defecation Free in Nigeria, as part of measures to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 target aimed at contributing to building a healthy and thriving nation.

“We are all aware that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation rolled out several initiatives to bridge the existing gap of inadequate basic sanitation services,” he stated.

Shettima applauded the support of stakeholders, especially governors, local government Chairmen, national and state legislators, members of the international community, development partners, the private sector, civil societies, and the media.

Earlier, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the 5th anniversary of the Campaign aligned with the World Toilet Day.

According to him, the day is set aside by the UN to accelerate the drive towards Open Defecation Free in countries around the world.

He recalled that the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign was launched in 2019 under the national programme to end open defecation in Nigeria and is backed by Presidential Executive Order 009.

Utsev explained that the campaign was informed by the unfortunate position of Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest number of people practicing open defecation, estimated at 48 million persons.

“It is a transformative movement to end open defecation in Nigeria and since its commencement, appreciable progress has been made over the past few years, with 135 LGAs having attended an Open Defecation Free status.

“More State Governments and Local Government Areas are currently undergoing a verification process in line with the National Protocol on Open Defecation Free, and over 30,000 other communities were certified as ODF.

“Despite all these attainments, the progress rate appears grossly inadequate compared to the Campaign target date of 2025, which expects nationwide advocacy”.

The Chairman, the Senate Committee on Water Resources, Sen. Eze Emeka, thanked the federal government for coming up with the campaign of clean water and ending open defecation.

He commended the government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for coming up with the initiative of sustaining the campaign and setting the target to end the menace in 2030. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

World Toilet Day: NNPC Foundation advocates better sanitation policies, infrastructure

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The NNPC Foundation Limited has reiterated its commitment to promote global awareness and advocacy for better policies to mitigate sanitation crisis.

Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director NNPC Foundation Ltd., made this known on Tuesday while commemorating the 2024 World Toilet Day (WTD) at the Junior Secondary School, Peyi, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

Arukwe underscored the need to invest in sanitation infrastructure to ensure cleaner water, healthier communities and sustainable ecosystems.

“NNPC Foundation is deeply committed to contributing to this global effort,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Toilet Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 19, to raise awareness on the lack of access to safe toilets and sanitation for billions of people worldwide.

The campaign inspires action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-6, “Water and Sanitation for all by 2030”.

This year’s campaign with the theme “Toilet, a Place for Peace”, emphasises the role of safe toilets as a space for protection and progress.

Worldwide, 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation and around 673 million people practise open defecation.

Arukwe, represented by Dr David Bala, Executive Director, Programme Development, NNPC Foundation Ltd., said by aligning its actions with SDG-6, it would ensure that it created a world where no one would be left behind.

“Our initiative focuses on raising awareness, advocating for better sanitation policies and supporting installation of clean and safe toilets in underprivileged areas.

“Today, 3.5 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation, a statistics that highlights the scale of the global sanitation crisis (UN-Water, 2024).

“According to UNICEF, approximately 48 million Nigerians practise open defecation and only 10 per cent of the population have access to combined basic water, sanitation and hygiene services.

“This lack of access contributes significantly to the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea which claims the lives of over 70,000 Nigerian children under the age of five annually,” she said.

Arukwe added that sanitation was a pressing concern in the country, and that the absence of proper sanitation facilities continued to disproportionately affect women and girls.

This, she said, put them at risk of harassment and violence in public spaces.

She explained that inadequate sanitation could lead to learning disruptions at school for many girls, as they were often forced to stay home during menstruation due to the absence of hygienic facilities in schools.

“According to a report by UNICEF in 2023, improving sanitation access could boost attendance rates for adolescent girls by 11 per cent in low-income countries.

“Statistics from the World Health Organisation in 2023 says that 80 per cent of the wastewater from human activities flows back into the ecosystem untreated, thereby causing widespread environmental harm.

“As students and future leaders, your role in this movement is to share the knowledge you gain here today with your families and communities.

“Advocate for improved sanitation in your schools and public spaces and be part of the conversations that normalise discussions about toilets and hygiene, which aims to break down taboos and drive meaningful change.

“Remember, every small action counts. Let us work together to flush away the global sanitation crisis,” Arukwe added.

Earlier, the school Principal, Mr Bako Kumbam, commended the foundation for the programme, noting that it would sustain the campaign and promote understanding of the role of sanitation in disease prevention and health improvement.

Speaking on the programme, Miss Cynthia Otanwo, Head Girl of the school, while expressing satisfaction with the programme, thanked the NNPC Foundation for the enlightenment and exposure to sanitary etiquettes on toilet usage.

Master Moses Ifeanyichukwu, Head Boy of the school, said that ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’.

He urged the Federal Government to build more public toilets to prevent open defecation to avert diseases. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

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