Nigeria urgently needs around 11 million new toilets to tackle its sanitation crisis, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund.
UNICEF is calling on the private sector to become more involved in solving the country’s open defecation problem.
At a high-level meeting in Lagos, UNICEF’s Chief of WASH in Nigeria, Dr. Jane Bevan, highlighted the severity of the situation.
“The government alone cannot solve this problem. We need a multi-faceted approach that includes the private sector,” Bevan said. She pointed out that Nigeria, with about 48 million people lacking access to toilets, is one of the worst offenders of open defecation in the world.
Dr. Bevan stressed the need for investment in public toilets, especially in urban areas like Lagos. “We need all hands on deck because this is a vital and major work that we have to do today with an estimated 11 million toilets urgently needed across Nigeria,” she added. She also mentioned the potential economic benefits of investing in sanitation, including job creation and empowering young people.
Céline Lafourcade, Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, echoed the call for private sector involvement. “This is a huge economic opportunity for the private sector, the population, and the government,” she said. Lafourcade emphasized that a collective effort is necessary to improve sanitation infrastructure and promote behavioral change.
The Director General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Olusola Obadimu, highlighted the negative impact of open defecation on Nigeria’s image. “The practice of open defecation is an eyesore and hinders our ability to attract investment,” he said. Obadimu urged the private sector to support efforts to eliminate open defecation.
Mr. Nyamanso Ekanem, representing the National Economic Summit Group (NESG), pledged support for improving sanitation. “By working together, we can develop effective solutions and mobilize resources to improve sanitation infrastructure,” he said. NESG identified key areas for investment, including building toilets and managing wastewater.
Dr. Chinyere Alumona, Director General of the US Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the health and economic implications of open defecation.
“Investing in improved sanitation not only addresses critical health concerns but also promises substantial economic returns,” she said. Alumona noted that Nigeria loses $1.5 billion annually due to health issues and reduced productivity related to poor sanitation.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation acknowledged progress but also highlighted significant gaps.
“Despite efforts to promote open defecation-free status, only 126 local governments out of 774 have achieved this goal,” Ugoh said.
She called for increased investment and stronger partnerships to address sanitation challenges and develop new policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
