Nigeria bears the unfortunate distinction of being one of the world’s top countries plagued by the practice of open defecation. In this special report, Juliet Jacob delves into the alarming reality of this issue and explores the critical steps the country must take to eradicate this harmful and humiliating practice.
Tackling the Scourge of Open Defecation
Public toilets are often cited as a solution to Nigeria’s open defecation crisis, a significant public health challenge.
While some progress has been made, most of these facilities are situated in urban areas like Abuja’s city center, leaving rural communities—the regions where open defecation is most rampant—largely neglected.
A closer look reveals that programs aimed at addressing this issue are predominantly urban-focused, raising questions about the policy’s reach and effectiveness in rural areas.
For instance, in communities like Jikwe, open defecation is still widespread.
With the rainy season, the health implications become even more dire, as contaminated water sources increase the spread of diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid.
These diseases disproportionately affect children, who often succumb to the effects of rapid dehydration and malnutrition.
Despite government claims of targeting 11.6m toilets for Nigerians, the on-ground reality suggests a lack of strategic implementation, particularly in underserved regions.
Stakeholders are now questioning whether these programs are mere political statements designed to appease international observers.
According to UNICEF, 48 million Nigerians, including 18 million children, still practice open defecation.
Additionally, 95 million people lack access to basic sanitation services, with an alarming 88% of health facilities, 70% of schools, and 80% of markets and motor parks across the country operating without basic sanitation provisions.
The Public Health Implications of Open Defecation
Open defecation contributes significantly to public health crises in Nigeria, facilitating the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
Typhoid, for example, is directly linked to fecal contamination. As health experts point out, anyone suffering from typhoid has had some form of contact with feces, either directly or indirectly through contaminated food or water.
Cholera is particularly alarming due to its rapid progression. In as little as 48 hours, it can claim lives, especially among children, due to severe dehydration.
Despite the scale of this issue, most deaths go unreported, as many families do not document or attribute such cases to cholera or other sanitation-related illnesses. Estimates suggest hundreds of thousands of deaths annually from cholera, typhoid, and related conditions.
A Crisis with Far-Reaching Consequences
Nigeria’s struggle with open defecation has severe and far-reaching consequences for the country’s health, economy, and overall development.
The health impacts of open defecation are staggering. The practice contaminates water sources, leading to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), open defecation is responsible for over 100,000 deaths annually in Nigeria.
The economic costs of open defecation are also significant. A study by WaterAid estimates that Nigeria loses approximately N455 billion ($1.3 billion) annually due to the practice.
This is a substantial burden on the country’s economy, which could be better spent on development initiatives.
Furthermore, open defecation has a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
The lack of access to proper sanitation facilities exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
A Closer Look at Regional Disparities
The disparity in sanitation efforts is stark when comparing urban and rural areas. While cities like Abuja and Lagos have seen the establishment of public toilets, rural communities like those in Gwagwalada or Kano remain underserved.
In Kano, for example, open defecation is a daily occurrence, with children defecating in public spaces and waste management almost non-existent.
The situation is compounded by overcrowded living conditions, where families of 10 or more share a single room, often adjacent to an open pit latrine.
The lack of proper waste disposal systems in places like Kano and Lagos also results in unhygienic environments, where restaurants operate next to gutters, and food is served in close proximity to waste.
Lagos to Build 100 Public Toilets
The Lagos State Government has given the green light for the construction of 100 new public toilets across the state, marking a significant step in its quest to combat open defecation and improve sanitation.
This initiative is a crucial part of the state’s Resilience Strategy, which aims to provide accessible public toilets and bathrooms in every Local Government and Local Council Development Area.
The announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via a tweet on Tuesday, as part of the activities commemorating World Toilet Day 2024.
Wahab emphasized that this year’s theme, “Use the Toilet and Have Peace,” highlights the global sanitation crisis affecting billions of people and the urgent need to address open defecation in Lagos.
The construction of these new public toilets is expected to provide a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for residents of Lagos State.
With the state’s rapid population growth exacerbating the challenge of open defecation, this initiative is a welcome move towards improving sanitation and hygiene in the state.
Behavioral and Cultural Dimensions
Cultural practices and habits also play a role in perpetuating open defecation. Public perceptions of sanitation are varied across regions, with some families taking initiatives to construct private toilets while others rely on open spaces. Understanding these behaviors is crucial to crafting effective intervention strategies.
Field reports suggest that rural dwellers often prioritize other immediate needs over sanitation, driven by widespread poverty.
Efforts to change these habits require sustained education and community engagement, highlighting the risks of open defecation and the benefits of proper sanitation.
Recommendations and Call to Action
Government Urged to Build Public Toilets in Rural Areas
The Nigerian government has been called upon by public health experts to expand public toilet programs to rural areas across various states.
This move is aimed at addressing the pressing issue of open defecation, which poses significant health and environmental risks.
According to experts, achieving an open-defecation-free Nigeria would require constructing nearly 20 million household toilets and 43,000 toilets in schools, health centers, and public places.
Strategic investments in sanitation infrastructure are crucial to target rural communities, where access to proper toilet facilities is often limited.
The Edo State Government’s Clean Nigeria Launch is a notable example of a successful initiative aimed at ending open defecation and achieving universal access to sanitation facilities by 2025.
Public Awareness Campaigns to Combat Open Defecation
In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of open defecation, experts suggest that public awareness campaigns should launched across Nigeria to educate citizens about the health implications of this practice.
The campaigns, which should be implemented by government agencies and non-governmental organizations, should aim to raise awareness about the importance of proper sanitation and the risks associated with open defecation.
Through various channels, including social media, radio, and community outreach programs, the campaigns should be disseminating vital information about the health consequences of open defecation, such as the spread of diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever.
By educating citizens about the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices, the campaigns hope to inspire behavior change and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for all Nigerians.
End Open Defecation through Multi-Faceted Approach
In a bid to become open defecation-free, Nigeria the country has been urged to adopt a comprehensive strategy that involves community engagement, health data collection, and accountability in government programs.
The initiative aims to address the pressing issue of open defecation, which affects millions of Nigerians and poses significant health risks.
Through community engagement, local leaders and families are being involved in identifying sustainable solutions to sanitation challenges.
This approach ensures that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each community. Additionally, health data collection systems are being established to track and report sanitation-related diseases, providing valuable insights for policy formulation.
Furthermore, the government is committed to ensuring accountability in sanitation programs, with transparent utilization of funds and effective monitoring of progress.
By adopting this multi-faceted approach, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides towards becoming open defecation-free.
Conclusion
To address the open defecation crisis, the Nigerian government must prioritize investments in sanitation infrastructure, promote behavior change through public awareness campaigns, and ensure accountability in the allocation and utilization of resources.
Only through a concerted effort can Nigeria hope to overcome the devastating impacts of open defecation and achieve a healthier, more prosperous future for its citizens.
The fight against open defecation requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes underserved communities, addresses behavioral factors, and ensures government accountability.
Only then can Nigeria hope to meet global sanitation targets and improve public health outcomes for its citizens.
