By Obiabin Onukwugha
Environmental Advocacy body, Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC) has called for a comprehensive action to combat the growing menace of open defecation in Nigeria.
CAMIC is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and combating climate change.
It said as the country continues to grapple with this pressing issue of open defecation, there is need for the government at all levels to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to curbing the trend, especially as 2030 which is the targeted SDGs year to end open defecation in Nigeria draws closer.
The body made the submissions in a statement signed by its Chief Growth Officer, Pius Alabi in Abuja on Tuesday.
It expressed concern that Nigeria ranks among the highest in the world for open defecation, with over 47 million people lacking access to proper sanitation facilities.
CAMIC stated that this alarming statistic not only poses serious health risks but also undermines efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation for All).
It said: “CAMIC is urging government agencies, local communities, and international partners to adopt a multi-faceted approach to eradicate open defecation, thereby improving public health, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life.”
“Nigeria ranks among the highest in the world for open defecation, with over 47 million people lacking access to proper sanitation facilities. This alarming statistic not only poses serious health risks but also undermines efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation for All).”
The statement continued; “CAMIC advocates for the widespread adoption of the CLTS approach, which empowers communities to take the lead in creating open defecation-free environments. Through this methodology, communities are educated about the dangers of open defecation and are encouraged to construct and maintain their own sanitation facilities without relying on external subsidies.
CAMIC therefore called for the adoption of public awareness campaigns, infrastructure development, school-based intervention, policy advocacy and government commitment and as well monitoring and evaluation by government and its relevant ministries and agencies.
“CAMIC calls for increased investment in the construction of public toilets and sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas and urban slums where access to proper sanitation is limited. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in financing and maintaining these facilities, ensuring they are accessible, hygienic, and sustainable.
“CAMIC urges the Nigerian government to strengthen policies and regulations that promote sanitation and hygiene. This includes enforcing penalties for open defecation, providing incentives for communities to achieve open defecation-free status, and allocating sufficient resources for sanitation projects across the country.
“As a nation, we cannot afford to overlook the critical issue of open defecation, which affects millions of Nigerians daily. By adopting these methodologies and working collaboratively, we can create a healthier, more dignified future for all Nigerians,” the statement added.