Nigeria must ensure its latest sanitation campaign avoids becoming another cycle of hollow announcements and unmet goals. Despite numerous past conferences and policy launches, the nation remains a global leader in open defecation. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has now extended its target to 2030, following the failure to meet the 2025 deadline. This shift reflects a recurring pattern seen since the 2019 launch of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, where intense initial activity failed to yield lasting results.
The current situation highlights a systemic failure where public displays of concern rarely result in actual progress. Approximately 46 million Nigerians lack access to safe toilets, leading to widespread contamination of water sources and the spread of illnesses like cholera and typhoid. Children are particularly vulnerable, suffering from malnutrition and developmental issues. This crisis also harms the nation’s international reputation and economic stability. By contrast, India successfully addressed its sanitation crisis through the Swachh Bharat mission, which utilized significant funding, strong political leadership, and community accountability to build millions of toilets.
To succeed, Nigeria must move past performative actions. This requires a substantial increase in infrastructure funding to provide affordable toilets, particularly in rural and slum areas. Infrastructure must be paired with consistent water access, as sanitation relies on it. Furthermore, local governments must enforce regulations and foster genuine community engagement through schools, traditional leaders, and religious institutions. Citizens must also take ownership by prioritizing household hygiene and demanding accountability from their representatives. Eliminating open defecation is an urgent necessity for the nation’s health and dignity.
