Health Risks Worsen as 48 Million Nigerians Practice Open Defecation

Despite efforts by the Nigerian government and organizations like UNICEF, open defecation remains a widespread issue, with 48 million Nigerians, or 23% of the population, still engaging in the practice. On World Toilet Day, Vice President Kashim Shettima launched the revised Clean Nigeria Campaign to eradicate open defecation by 2030, aiming to make all 774 local governments open defecation-free. However, the practice contributes to disease outbreaks, including cholera and diarrhoea, and has significant environmental and economic costs. Limited access to sanitation, particularly in rural areas, exacerbates public health concerns, with poverty being a key driver. Only a few regions, like Jigawa, have successfully reduced open defecation, highlighting the need for greater investment, policy implementation, and community engagement to tackle this persistent issue.