NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Self Help Africa, partners advocate market-based sanitation solutions
Environment

Self Help Africa, partners advocate market-based sanitation solutions

235 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s sanitation sector have called for a shift towards Market-Based Sanitation (MBS) as a more effective means of improving access to safe and dignified toilets across the country.

With Nigeria struggling to meet its Open Defecation-Free (ODF) targets, experts say MBS could be instrumental in accelerating progress towards healthier and cleaner environments for millions of citizens.

At a high-level seminar held in Abuja on Wednesday, officials from tiers of government, development partners and civil society organisations gathered to assess the country’s sanitation efforts and explore private sector-led solutions.

Mr Shadrach Guusu, Head of Programmes at Self Help Africa, described the seminar as a timely and strategic engagement for the sector.

“This seminar provides a valuable platform to reflect on current MBS efforts, evaluate existing approaches, and introduce new insights from global experts such as PSI.

“It also enables us to strengthen collaboration and capacity development among government bodies, civil society, private actors, and development partners laying a stronger foundation for scaling MBS in Nigeria”.

Guusu underscored the need to confront tough questions: “How far have we come with market-based sanitation, and what must we do differently to achieve the 2030 target?”

He noted that MBS aims to provide households and communities, especially those underserved with access to improved toilet facilities through affordable and sustainable private sector-driven models.

He added that in spite ongoing initiatives, inadequate sanitation remains widespread in homes, markets, schools, and public spaces across the country.

According to him, the seminar formed part of the WASH Systems for Health Project, currently being implemented in Cross River and Kano states in partnership with other stakeholders.

Mr Chukwuma Nnanna, Team Lead at Toilet Pride Initiative, explained that their work focuses on addressing the root causes of poor sanitation and the lack of accessible and affordable toilet options.

“Open defecation is not always due to poverty, many families simply don’t know where to get a toilet or that low-cost options exist.

“Toilet Pride is helping bridge that gap by connecting households to suitable products and reliable installers”:

He added that MBS represents a shift from traditional approaches, which often encouraged toilet construction without addressing availability, affordability, or consumer support.

“Now, we offer families a range of products such as those from manufacturers like Lixil, and guide them from product awareness to installation.

”This model, we believe, will help move millions of Nigerians up the sanitation ladder”.

The seminar also featured global experts from Population Services International (PSI), who shared lessons from more than a decade of experience in strengthening sanitation markets.

Mr John Sauer, Deputy Director of PSI’s WASH Programmes and Lead Facilitator at the event, noted the importance of knowledge exchange and market development.

“PSI is pleased to share over 12 years of experience in market-based sanitation with Nigeria’s WASH sector.

“We believe that by applying systems thinking and market-driven approaches, Nigeria is well-positioned to fast-track universal access to safe, sustainable sanitation,” Sauer said

Earlier, Mrs Iquo Bassey, a representative from the Cross River Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, noted that while six local government areas have been declared ODF, sustaining these gains has been challenging.

She described the meeting as timely, expressing hope that it would help address poor sanitation outcomes and promote long-term sustainability through shared learning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that albeit the federal government’s Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign, launched in 2019, the country remains off track to meet its 2025 goal of eliminating open defecation.

With over 48 million Nigerians practising open defecation, experts warn the country may miss its 2030 SDG 6 deadline without a major strategy shift. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

PASA urges African nations to prioritise sanitation, hygiene
Environment

PASA urges African nations to prioritise sanitation, hygiene

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By Tosin Kolade

Mr Kitch Bawa, the Executive Secretary, Pan-African Association of Sanitation Actors (PASA), has urged African governments to make sanitation and hygiene top priority.

Speaking to Africa Media Practitioners virtually on Saturday, Bawa outlined PASA’s ongoing initiatives in 25 countries to strengthen sanitation services.

He emphasised the need for better waste management systems across the continent.

He said “we are committed to improving sanitation infrastructure and advocating training of sanitation and health workers.”

He announced the upcoming launch of PASA One City, One Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) Initiative.

This, he said, would be introduced in Kampala, Uganda, during the Mayors and Local Authorities Forum at the African Water and Sanitation Association (AFWASA) Congress on Feb. 18.

Bawa expressed concern over the mismanagement of fecal sludge treatment plants in several African countries, warning that inadequate facilities posed serious health risks to individuals and communities.

He emphasised the need for climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

Addressing the issue of open defecation, he revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the severity of the problem.

He, however, reassured that PASA is actively working to combat the challenge.

He said ” our mission is to enhance public health and improve the quality of life in African communities. We call on the media to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene in Africa’s development.”

Dr Simeon Kenfack, the Director of Programmes at AFWASA, stressed the need for stronger sanitation policies and oversight.

He stated that AFWASA is collaborating with multiple countries to improve sanitation services, citing Senegal as a model example.

He further revealed that the organisation is mentoring five other nations to adopt Senegal’s successful sanitation strategies.

He noted that “to amplify its impact, AFWASA has committed to partnering with media practitioners to drive awareness and advocacy.”

Kenfack acknowledged media’s vital role in influencing public policy and behaviour.

He said “journalists are key allies in sanitation advocacy, and we are eager to collaborate with them to improve conditions across Africa.”

The director said sanitation is a critical public health issue that demands immediate and sustained action, reaffirming AFWASA’s commitment to make this a reality.

“We are dedicated to tackling this issue and ensuring improved sanitation across the continent,” he added.

A WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP), along with the UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water, reveals the poor state of sanitation in Africa.

A survey conducted across the 55 member states of the African Unionbetween 2000 and 2022 revealed that only 31 per cent of the population had access to safely managed sanitation, while just 28 per cent had access to basic hygiene in 2022.

Alarmingly, 779 million people lack basic sanitation, including approximately 208 million who still practise open defecation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

AEPB engages 40 contractors to keep Abuja clean
Environment

AEPB engages 40 contractors to keep Abuja clean

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By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has engaged 40 contractors to keep the Federal Capital City clean.

The Director of the Board, Mr Osilama Braimah, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Braimah said that the board was up to date in its payment obligation to the contractors, saying “we have paid them 100 per cent and no contractor is being owed.”

He explained that the Board was responsible for handling waste management and city sanitation in Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Guzape, Katampe, Wuse, Mabushi, Wuye and other districts within the city centre.

Other areas, he said, include Airport Road, all the way to Bill Clinton, airport vicinity, and Central Business District and Goodluck Jonathan Expressway, all the way to Karu axis.

“We are also clearing the city of beggars and maintaining pedestrian bridges to prevent people from using them as markets.

“We are also responsible for maintaining the sewage system in the city and the sewage treatment plants in Wupa, Guzape, Katampe, and Apo, including the Sewage Pump Station in the city.

“In a nutshell, the AEPB is responsible for the enforcement of all environmental legislations and abatement of all forms of environmental degradation and nuisance.

“The Board also regulates the impact of physical development on the ecosystem,” he added.

Braimah said that each of the 40 contractors was assigned a specific area of coverage to evacuate waste and keep the area clean.

He, however, said that the Board sometimes intervenes when the contractors could not cope with the huge volume of refuse being generated daily within the city.

“We have our own team to step in and provide support whenever the contractors fail in their task of evacuating refuse.

“So, our job is to supervise but once we give you a job and you don’t perform, we intervene, and when we want to pay, we subtract for the intervention.

“If every day’s work is N200,000 for example, we multiply by the number of days we intervened and subtract from the contractor’s payment,” he said.

The director said that contractors have been fulfilling their obligations by keeping Abuja city clean through routine evacuation of refuse dump every two weeks.

He, however, noted the visible pile of refuse dumps in some parts of satellite towns and area councils, stressing that those areas were not under the jurisdiction of AEPB.

He particularly explained that except for Abuja Municipal Area Council, which AEPB was responsible for, the remaining five councils were not under its purview.

Speaking on noise pollution, Braimah said that the AEPB intervenes on noise pollution emanating from nightclubs, houses and other public places.

He, however, said that the Board does not have jurisdiction over moving vehicles or motorcycles.

“If it is night clubs, noise from grinding machines in peoples’ houses and other public buildings, we go there with our noise metre and measure the noise to determine the pollution level.” (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Borno Flood: Preventing disease outbreak through improved sanitation
Features

Borno Flood: Preventing disease outbreak through improved sanitation

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By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Flooding has become an increasingly frequent and devastating worldwide. Often it leaves communities to contend with displacement, disease outbreaks and huge economic losses.

In Borno State, the September 2024 Alau Dam burst revealed shortcomings in emergency preparedness and response systems and underscored the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies.

The catastrophic event displaced thousands of residents, destroyed homes and farmlands; and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.

Beyond the widespread destruction, the flood also caused outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases, exacerbating the region’s already fragile social and health sectors.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Borno flood aggravated an already delicate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) situation in the state.

The UN body says contaminated water sources and damage to sanitation facilities increased the risk of disease outbreaks.

Additionally, the flooding of graveyards and overcrowding in displacement camps further heightened the vulnerability of affected communities to waterborne diseases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 225,000 people have been displaced, with 201 deaths recorded across 15 states.

Furthermore, approximately 115,000 hectares of farmland were submerged, severely impacting food security.

In response to these challenges, collaboration with partners such as WHO and UNICEF has been instrumental in enhancing disease surveillance, early detection, and containment efforts.

These partnerships have also focused on building capacity and mobilising resources to support the affected communities.

Community engagement, led by traditional leaders and local influencers, played a vital role in addressing the crisis by promoting hygiene, dispelling myths, and encouraging proper sanitation practices.

In light of these developments, a delegation from the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group visited cholera- and flood-affected communities in Borno State.

Guided by UNICEF’s 2024 flood severity assessment, the mission aimed to identify challenges, evaluate the implementation of WASH Emergency Working Group plans, and distribute essential supplies to affected areas.

During visits to cholera hotspots and flood-impacted communities, the team highlighted the need for improved dam maintenance, urban planning, and strengthened emergency preparedness to mitigate future disasters.

At the Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, it was observed that WASH interventions were effectively in place.

These efforts, supported by development partners and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), have been credited with preventing a cholera outbreak within the camp.

The camp manager, Abubakar Uba, stated that the camp, reopened on 10th September 2024 following the flood, initially accommodated 14,472 individuals.

He noted that the state government provided financial assistance to 5,000 households and affected individuals.

Currently, the camp operates with four water points and 146 latrines to address its WASH needs.

During a visit to the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), Mr Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels, Director IV Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised the importance of integrating WASH into emergency responses.

He said the initiative’s dual focus on addressing flood crises and tackling public health challenges, such as cholera, while ensuring sustainable water management.

Olu-Daniels sought information on BOSEPA’s collaboration with WASH partners, its strategies for addressing water and sanitation challenges, and its role in empowering local communities.

He commended the state government’s efforts during the flood but stressed the need to strengthen partnerships, identify gaps, and understand BOSEPA’s resource requirements.

The BOSEPA General Manager, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, outlined the agency’s proactive measures following the flood.

These, according to him, are deploying resources and fumigating flood-affected areas to prevent disease outbreaks.

“This effort was made possible by the governor’s timely release of intervention funds, which facilitated the purchase of 10 motorised fumigation tanks and sanitation equipment”.

He added that collaboration with the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and support from partners such as the UNDP and UNICEF helped contain severe outbreaks of cholera and other diseases.

He said the governor also inaugurated a steering committee for the Open Defecation Free Roadmap to advance sanitation initiatives.

Suleiman revealed ongoing efforts such as house-to-house sanitary inspections, monthly sanitation activities, and public sensitisation campaigns led by religious leaders to promote safe water and sanitation practices.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Water Resources, Modu Sanda, emphasised the administration’s commitment to providing potable water.

He said this commitment was being supported by contributions from the Norwegian Refugee Council, Coca-Cola, UNICEF and Action Against Hunger among others.

However, he noted that the recent flood severely damaged infrastructure, with 50 per cent of water treatment plants rendered non-functional.

“Over 29 boreholes and generating sets were submerged, prompting the formation of a technical committee to assess the damage and carry out emergency repairs.

“The boreholes have been rehabilitated, flushed, dismantled, and tested.

“However, our challenge lies in encouraging communities to take ownership of this infrastructure”.

Sanda also said the impact of rural-to-urban migration on access to potable water was worrisome.

“We are considering a review of the Borno State Water Policy”, he added.

The permanent secretary highlighted the impact of climate change, noting a 25 per cent decline in the state’s water table.

He explained that desert encroachment and groundwater depletion are worsening water scarcity in certain areas.

“Aquifers that were once accessible at depths of 350 to 500 metres now require drilling as deep as 450 to 600 metres”.

In spite of these challenges, he said, the stats has made significant progress, including extending pipelines to newly developed communities and solarising 48 boreholes with support from development partners.

Additionally, he said UNICEF has drilled and rehabilitated numerous boreholes, and efforts are ongoing to locally source chlorine to maintain water quality.

Stakeholders recommend investing in early warning systems, strengthening infrastructure, and creating detailed management plans with evacuation routes and shelters.

They emphasise public awareness campaigns, collaboration with disaster agencies, and prioritising recovery efforts to rebuild infrastructure, assist displaced individuals, and apply lessons from past floods. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

WaterAid unveils sanitation, hygiene project in 4 Bauchi LGs
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

FG pledges commitment to ODF Nigeria by 2030
Environment

FG pledges commitment to ODF Nigeria by 2030

513 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has pledged commitment to ending open defecation across Nigeria, calling for intensified efforts from all stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Utsev, speaking with newsmen on Friday in Abuja, noted that achieving an open defecation-free status involved more than building toilets.

He said that while huge progress had been made, ensuring access to and proper use of these facilities remained a crucial challenge.

“The challenge is not only the number of toilets available but also raising awareness and encouraging their consistent use.

“This is why we are elevating the campaign to a higher level. The Vice President will lead the relaunch of our strategy in a more impactful way,” he said.

He stated that development partners like UNICEF had made significant contributions by providing toilet facilities, training, and awareness campaigns.

“Our partners do not provide funds directly but support through the supply of toilets and training programmes, their efforts have been invaluable in driving this campaign forward,” he said.

The minister also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to achieving ODF status in Nigeria.

He said since the launch of the campaign in 2019, 135 local government areas and over 30,000 communities had achieved ODF status, with more areas undergoing verification.

According to him, despite these achievements, the road to universal sanitation remains long, especially in underserved and vulnerable communities.

“Ending open defecation is about more than toilets, it’s about improving health, boosting productivity, and enhancing the dignity and safety of our citizens,” the minister emphasised.

Utsev called on the media, private sector, and local communities to join the effort to raise awareness and ensure behavioural change at all levels.

He, however, urged renewed and collective action to achieve a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.

“The campaign remains a critical component of Nigeria’s efforts to improve sanitation and public health, with the 2025 ODF target in sight but requiring sustained momentum to achieve,” he said.

On strategic advocacy efforts, the minister said the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign’ strategy will be relaunched on Nov. 19, coinciding with the World Toilet Day.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the event, which aims to strengthen collaboration among state governors, community leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners.

“We are calling on governors, community leaders, and partners to actively participate in this campaign,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is part of activities marking the 2024 World Toilet Day with the theme: ‘Sanitation for Peace,’ which underscores the significance of toilets as symbols of safety, dignity, and development. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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