Stephen Enoch
The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change marked the 2024 World Toilet Day at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
This year’s theme, “Toilet: A Place for Peace,” highlighted the importance of sanitation in fostering health, dignity, and sustainable development.
World Toilet Day is commemorated annually to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis and accelerate efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Federal Government’s Call to Action
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, represented by Bahijja Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control at the Federal Ministry of Environment, emphasized the urgency of addressing open defecation in Nigeria.
“Currently, 4.7 million Nigerians practice open defecation, exposing themselves and others to severe health challenges, including diarrhea and cholera.
“Women and children are disproportionately affected, with girls losing valuable school time and women bearing the greater burden of this unsanitary practice,” she said.
Lawal called on the Kano State Government to prioritize safe sewage collection systems and invest in smart toilets.
“The Federal Government remains committed to ending open defecation and is working on policies that will enforce this goal,” she added.
She pointed out that World Toilet Day serves as a reminder that sanitation is not just about health but also about dignity, safety, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
“With concerted efforts, Kano State and Nigeria at large can make significant strides in ending open defecation and achieving sustainable development goals,” she reiterated.
Kano State’s Commitment to Sanitation
Delivering the keynote address, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Commissioner for Health Labaran Yusuf, reiterated the state government’s dedication to improving sanitation infrastructure.
“Recently, we have renovated 15 public toilets across motor parks, schools, and markets, with many more in the pipeline.
“Through our community-led sanitation initiatives in partnership with UNICEF and community leaders, we have declared 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) open-defecation-free,” he noted.
He also highlighted the revitalization of the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB).
“We have restored REMASAB to full operation, procured 10 new refuse collection trucks, resuscitated existing ones, and increased allowances for casual staff by 100% to boost productivity,” he added.
Additionally, the administration has introduced a water sanitation policy aimed at providing a legal framework to improve the quality of life for residents and support socio-economic development in Kano.
The Role of Community and Stakeholders
The Kano State Commissioner of Environment underscored the importance of consistent community involvement in maintaining sanitation standards.
“Communities must champion the reopening of closed public toilets and support the declaration of more LGAs as open-defecation-free,” he said.
He cautioned about the risks of groundwater contamination, particularly in areas where soakaways are situated close to boreholes.
“With sustained community enlightenment and the dedication of stakeholders, Kano can overcome open defecation,” he added.
UNICEF Urges Continued Efforts
Michael Banda, a representative of UNICEF in Kano, lauded the progress achieved in the state through collaborative efforts but emphasized that the work is far from complete.
“We are pleased to have partnered with the Kano State Government to achieve this milestone. However, there are still 18 LGAs that have not yet been declared open-defecation-free. Immediate action is required,” Banda stressed.
He called for stronger political will and commitment from the government to ensure that Kano achieves total sanitation.
