By Fatima Saka
prominent environmentalist has issued a call to governmental authorities at all levels, urging them to take proactive measures to address the escalating sanitation and hygiene requirements of Nigeria’s growing population. Mr. Rufus Aderopo, Co-convener of Earth and Life Mission, an advocacy group, made this appeal during a news conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Emphasizing the pressing need for aligned sanitation facilities with population expansion, Aderopo underscored that the nation must proactively tackle sanitation and hygiene needs to ensure holistic development. He lamented the continued challenges posed by open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of waste, which hinder progress toward Sustainable Development Goals. Aderopo urged relevant authorities to take steps to reverse these concerning trends.
Highlighting the far-reaching impact of proper sanitation and hygiene, Aderopo noted that over 70 percent of illnesses stem from inadequate sanitation and the lack of access to clean drinking water. He specifically addressed the alarming toll of hygiene-related diseases on under-five children, identifying proper handwashing as a pivotal preventive measure.
Aderopo advocated for empowering children to be “hygiene heroes,” capable of fostering a culture of proper handwashing. He suggested that children could play a transformative role by communicating the benefits of hand hygiene to parents, friends, and teachers. By reducing preventable deaths through these efforts, children could emerge as change agents in society.
Continuing his call to action, Aderopo stressed the importance of ongoing awareness campaigns to inform more Nigerians about the merits of hygiene and sanitation practices. He highlighted the role of handwashing with soap at critical times, emphasizing its effectiveness in averting diarrhea and related diseases.
Drawing inspiration from successful cases, Aderopo pointed out that nations like Bangladesh and Peru managed to significantly reduce open defecation rates, thereby making the goal of open defecation-free status attainable for Nigeria. He expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve its target of ending open defecation by 2025 by instituting policies that foster behavioral shifts in sanitation and hygiene practices.
Aderopo urged a revival of historical practices such as the role of sanitary inspectors, who can enforce hygiene protocols and prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases. He also addressed the socio-economic disparity that influences open defecation practices, indicating that wealth distribution played a pivotal role.
The environmental advocate urged stakeholders to collaborate in devising straightforward, cost-effective messaging that encourages behavioral shifts toward better hygiene practices. He highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and emphasized the necessity of eliminating barriers that hinder sanitation and hygiene progress in the country.
Aderopo’s impassioned call underscores the critical importance of proactive measures to address sanitation and hygiene challenges as Nigeria’s population grows. By aligning policy, education, and action, the nation can advance toward a healthier, more sustainable future for all.