World Toilet Day: FG Advocates Improved Sanitation Nationwide

BY CHIOMA DIBIA, Abuja
The Federal Government has advocated access to safe toilet and improved sanitation nationwide.
Minister of Environment, Hon Balarabe Lawal Abbas stated this in Abuja on Thursday at a press briefing to mark the 2023 World Toilet Day with the theme: “Accelerating Change”.
He hinted that the theme of the event should inspire every individual to take personal action to help improve toilets and sanitation system, adding that every Nigerian can do something and has a role to play in tackling sanitation crisis.
Abbas noted that with just seven years left, the world has to work on average five times faster to meet the sanitation target.
He said: “Sanitation crisis in our world today poses a threat to our natural environment and the health of citizens particularly women, girls and other vulnerable groups which sometimes may result to the high rate of diarrhea diseases which is the second cause of high morbidity and mortality rates among children under the age of five.
“The Federal Government is committed to addressing the sanitation challenges in the country and ensuring proper management of excreta.
“This commitment was 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.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with critical stakeholders has sanitation policy including the 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 in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and other stakeholders has embarked on a series of activities to mark the 2023 World Toilet Day in Nigeria.
“Such activities is the advocacy, sensitisation and sanitary inspection of Federal Government unity schools in FCT and ministerial press briefing to mark the 2023 World Toilet Day.”
The minister solicited the support of the development partners, NGOs, CDOs and organised private sector in implementing the sanitation programmes of the ministry.