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About 25 Percent Nigerians Openly Defecate, Laments FG

Published

2 years ago

November 16, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

About 25 Percent Nigerians Openly Defecate, Laments FG

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has decried that about 25 percent of people living in the country still defecate openly, insisting that this has led to high rate of diarrhea that is the second highest killer of children in Nigeria.

Nigeria is populated by over 200 million people, and according to the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas has about 48 million people still practicing open defecation.

Speaking at a joint press briefing of the Ministries of Environment, and Water Resources and Sanitation to highlight the activities scheduled for the World Toilet Day, Abbas said this year’s theme: ‘Accelerating Change’ “is quite apt as it inspires every individual to take personal action to help improve toilets and sanitation systems. It underscores the fact that every sector and every Nigerian can do something and has a role to play in tackling the sanitation crisis.”

He noted that “toilets are a foundation stone of public health and they play an important role in protecting the environment. They effectively and hygienically remove human waste away from the home, reducing the exposure our loved ones have to human waste and diseases.

“Unfortunately, toilets and the sanitation systems that support them are underfunded, poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world including Nigeria with devastating consequences for health, economics and the environment particularly in the poorest and most marginalized communities. Right now, about 4.2 billion people in the world live without safe toilets and about 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, as many people still use the bush and water bodies as their regular means for excreta disposal.

“Many institutions, public and private, do not have sanitary facilities and where they exist they are either not functioning or misused. Most urban areas do not have sewerage systems and safe collection of sewage. Therefore, disposal becomes a huge challenge as many of the water bodies including rivers and streams become a repository for sewage and wastewater.”

He added that: “The sanitation crisis poses a threat to our natural environment and the health of citizens, particularly women, girls and other vulnerable groups. One of the major consequences of poor excreta and sewage disposal is the high rate of diarrhoea disease which is the second cause of high morbidity and mortality rates among children under the age of five. The persistent re-occurrence of annual incidences of cholera outbreaks in some of our states are also manifestations of inadequate toilet facilities. Yet this could also be prevented through safe excreta disposal by every individual.”

Abbas revealed that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to addressing the sanitation challenges in the country and ensuring proper management of excreta. This commitment is demonstrated by Mr. President’s declaration of a state of emergency on water, sanitation and hygiene in the country and the signing of Executive Order No. 009 on Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025. Equally, the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with critical stakeholders has reviewed and validated the 2005 National Environmental Sanitation Policy including its policy guidelines on safe excreta and sewage disposal, which will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

“The Federal Ministry of Environment is also continuing with its community-based intervention on the control of open defecation programme as well as the Clean and Green Programme aimed among others at promoting the provision of safe and adequate toilets across the country, particularly in public places and ensuring proper excreta management.”

He disclosed that modern public toilets have been provided in communities and markets across the Federation under these programmes. “To strengthen the capacity of our Environmental Health Officers, this year, the Ministry renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India on technology transfer, technical assistance, capacity building and research development in areas of water, sanitation and environmental management. The CSE has conducted specialized training on affordable toilet designs and feacal sludge management and reuse for at least fifty (50) Environmental Health Officers and Sanitation Desk Officers across the 36 States’ Ministry of Environment including FCT.”

Abbas while highlighting the activities to mark the day which is scheduled for next Tuesday, said. “I am using this opportunity to appeal to all National, State and Local Government stakeholders in environmental sanitation not only to do the talking but take practical steps and actions individually and collectively as agents of change to ensure everyone has access to toilets in their domain. Likewise, all commercial entities such as petrol stations, shopping malls etc are encouraged to launch functional toilet facilities for the public as part of their corporate social responsibilities.”

On his part, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev said: “The Government recognizes that access to adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services is a critical factor for the socio-economic development of any nation with implications for human capital outcomes such as early childhood survival, health and educational attainment.

“In addition, the practice of open defecation due to the dearth of sanitation facilities is directly correleated with sanitation-related diseases, poor educational outcomes and loss of productivity. This is beside such as other consequences such as the concomitant lack of dignity, inconvenience and violence experienced by women and girls, when practising open defecation.”

He said: “In recognition of the cross-cutting nature of the Government’s interventions, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is collaborating with other partners under the auspices of the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) in commemorating the 2023 World Toilet Day. The commemoration activities are targeted at mobilizing actions at all levels through building synergy to improve sustainable access to sanitation in the country. It is our target to reach every Nigerian with a message on safe toilets and sanitation systems in the course of these engagements. The modest achievements recorded through our interventions were made possible through the collaboration of partners. I will be remise without acknowledging their partnership and support for our initiatives in the Sanitation and Hygiene Sector.”

About 25 Percent Nigerians Openly Defecate, Laments FG

News

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

Published

2 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

The ancient city of Kano is set to become the epicenter of Nigerian Table Tennis as the maiden Northern Nigeria Table Tennis Association (NNTTA) Championship officially kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, January 31st, 2026. The high-stakes tournament will be hosted at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano.

This landmark event is powered by the massive support and strategic vision of the Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), His Excellency, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki. The championship marks a dramatic shift in the promotion of the sport, aiming to elevate Northern talent to national and global elite status.

For the first time in recent history, elite athletes and rising stars from all 19 Northern States will compete for glory. The debut championship features three highly anticipated categories that includes the Men’s Single (battle for the region’s top ranking), Veterans’ Category (celebrating the legends and mentors of the game) and the Super Cup (A high-intensity clash for the ultimate trophy) which will see the region’s top stars compete against the Championship’s top four to be crowned at the end of the maiden NNTTA tourney.

Athletes will be competing for a prestigious haul of Medals, Trophies, and significant Cash Prizes, setting a new standard for regional tournaments in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President during the pre-tournament press briefing, Adamu Usman Ahmed emphasised that this championship is not just a one-off event but a long-term developmental blueprint.

“His Excellency, Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki, gives his full assurance that this Kano Championship is just the beginning. Our mission is to bridge the regional gap and provide a platform where Northern players can transition into national heroes. We commend the Kano State Table Tennis Association for their hospitality and readiness to host this historic first edition.”

The Vice President further promised that outstanding performers, especially in the active player categories, will receive dedicated support for advanced career development, including potential national team invitations and international exposure.

Meanwhile the Chairman of Kano State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Mustapha Garga stated that about 10 million naira has been set aside for the success of the maiden Championship with participants already arriving the host state of Kano.

Mustapha further commended the massive contribution and support of the NTTF Vice Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki in ensuring a historic and befitting championship where potential elites are expected to emerge to represent Nigeria at National and international Championships respectively.

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

News

NGX to strengthen economic environment to woo more investors- Kwairanga

Published

3 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NGX to strengthen economic environment to woo more investors- Kwairanga

Dr Umaru Kwairanga, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group has restated the NGX’s commitment to providing market infrastructure that inspires investor confidence and supports both domestic and international participation.

Kwairanga made the pledge at a dinner organised by the US-Nigeria Council held in Lagos on Thursday.

He stated that capital markets remained a vital bridge in the partnership between the United States and Nigeria.

According to him, efficient, transparent, and well-regulated markets enable businesses to grow, infrastructure to be financed, and innovation to scale.

“From the perspective of Nigerian Exchange Group, we remain committed to providing market infrastructure that inspires investor confidence and supports both domestic and international participation, including from American institutions and enterprises.

“The growing engagement of global investors in Nigeria reflects confidence in our long-term fundamentals and in the reforms underway to strengthen our economic environment.

“As market operators, our responsibility is to ensure that opportunities discussed in forums like this can find practical expression through credible platforms for capital formation and investment,” he said.

Kwairanga lauded the leadership of the US–Nigeria Council for its continued commitment to strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

According to him, the relationship between the United States and Nigeria is one of strategic importance and deep potential.

He described the partnership which he said was grounded in mutual respect, economic complementarity, and a shared belief in enterprise, as a driver of prosperity.

He said that Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, remained a key partner for the United States in advancing trade, investment, and sustainable development across the continent.

“The US–Nigeria Council plays a critical role in translating goodwill into tangible outcomes.

“By convening leaders from government and business, it helps move conversations from intent to implementation, supporting collaboration in areas that directly affect livelihoods, from food security and agricultural value chains to trade expansion and long-term investment.

“In today’s interconnected global economy, our complementarities are clear. Nigeria brings scale, a youthful and entrepreneurial population, abundant resources, and expanding markets.

“The United States brings capital, innovation, technology, and deep institutional expertise. When these strengths align, the results can be transformative, not only for our two countries, but for broader regional growth,” he said.

The NGX boss thanked American partners for their enduring engagement with Nigeria, stressing that, “your participation in our economy and confidence in our future is deeply valued.”

News

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

Published

3 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe state governor, Hon, Mai Mala Buni CON,COMN has appeal to the federal government to establish a Federal Kidney Disease Center in the state to save the people of the state from this deadly scourge.

Buni added that the government will establish an additional dialysis center in Gashu’a to save patients of kidney disease from travelling long distances to access care.

The governor made the appeal today while commissioning the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BIORTC) permanent site and celebrating Teeneagle Champions and the Identification of Talent Potentials at Yobe State University, Damaturu.

Governor Buni maintained that Africa has been subjected to relying on medical and other research that is conducted in different climes, environments, cultures, and lifestyles without recourse to our peculiarities and genetic diversity.

“I am proud that BIORTC has established Africa’s first major Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC) biobank with an African-centered focus, and also BIORTC is leading the establishment of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious and deeply characterized dementia research cohorts. ” he added.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the state-funded kidney disease initiative because this is what responsible governance demands: policy guided by evidence and investment guided by the health needs of the people. Governor Buni is the first African governor to be honored; this is quite inspiring, and he dedicated this award to the good people of Yobe with a pledge to do more.

“For many decades, several communities along the banks of the River Yobe have been plagued by chronic kidney disease, losing precious lives and throwing many families into agony on a daily basis, and this has been a major driving force for the establishment of the center to find a solution to this scourge.

“This administration is equally keen to see the innovative open-science work at BIORTC, including the building and testing of low-cost microscopes that can support field diagnosis and strengthen community-level health services, and urges the federal ministry of health to partner with BIORTC for open diagnostics on malaria microscopy and other related community-level diagnostic programs,” the governor said.

He maintained that the extraordinary performance of three young girls indigenous to Yobe State, Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukkaya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, at the 2025 TeenEagle competition reflects the success story of our investment in the education sector and noted that the federal ministry of education has designated Yobe State as a role model in foundational education, describing it as exemplary and worthy of emulation.

Buni emphasizes that under this administration, no child in Yobe state will be denied his or her right to education because of his or her economic background. He announces a government scholarship for the three young girls up to the tertiary level and a donation of ₦10 million to each.

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe