Nigeria’s Battle for Sanitation: A Step-by-Step Journey
A Nation’s Struggle for Dignity and Health
Despite progress, Nigeria’s fight against open defecation is far from over, as highlighted by UNICEF’s WASH Specialist. With only a fraction of local governments achieving the target, the road to success is long and challenging.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Out of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, a mere 140 have met the open defecation-free (ODF) status. This stark reality underscores the magnitude of the sanitation crisis in the country.
Oyo’s Grassroots Initiative
In Oyo State, a community named Araromi Aperin is leading the way. With the support of its determined Royal Highness, Oba Mudasiru Obisesan Alararomi, the community embraced the call to end open defecation. The result? A remarkable transformation where households now have their own toilets, and children are healthier and happier.
But Here’s Where It Gets Controversial…
While rural areas are making strides, urban sanitation is the next big hurdle. Rapid urbanization is straining city infrastructure, leaving millions without access to safely managed sanitation. In cities like Ibadan and Kano, overcrowded slums pose significant challenges to building toilets and managing waste.
The Role of UNICEF
UNICEF, in collaboration with federal and state governments, is committed to more than just sanitation. Their mission encompasses child health, dignity, and sustainable development. As Mr. Monday Johnson, UNICEF’s WASH Specialist, explains, “Anything that supports a child’s growth and development is our priority.”
The Impact of Open Defecation
Open defecation has far-reaching implications, affecting public health, dignity, and development. Diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid are often linked to poor sanitation and unsafe water, especially impacting children with underdeveloped immune systems.
A Model Community: Araromi Aperin
Araromi Aperin’s success story is a testament to leadership and commitment. With the support of the Oba, the community embraced the idea of building toilets. Today, most households have their own toilets, and the health and attendance of schoolchildren have improved significantly.
The Road to Certification
Becoming ODF is a structured process. It involves community participation, government validation, and national oversight. It’s not just about building toilets; it’s about ensuring accountability and sustainability.
Urban Sanitation: A Growing Concern
As Nigeria urbanizes, the sanitation burden intensifies. The urban population is growing rapidly, outpacing infrastructure development. Cities like Lagos and Abuja are facing a crisis, with many still relying on unsafe containment systems.
Progress and Challenges in Oyo State
In Oyo State, only a small fraction of wards are certified ODF, and the lack of safely managed sanitation is a pressing issue. Studies reveal that most excreta is not safely captured, leading to water contamination and disease outbreaks.
The Need for New Thinking
UNICEF and partners are working towards a solution. They are piloting Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), an approach that integrates safe waste management and ensures access to safe sanitation for all, including slum dwellers. Mr. Johnson emphasizes, “Urban sanitation demands innovative solutions.”
Funding and Structural Hurdles
While progress is evident, major gaps remain, particularly in funding and institutional structure. Sanitation and hygiene projects often receive less funding compared to water supply projects. The absence of coordination between agencies weakens accountability and service delivery.
Sanitation: An Economic Opportunity
Beyond public health, sanitation presents a multi-billion-naira opportunity. By developing market-based sanitation models, states can attract private investment and create jobs. However, bridging the financing gap is crucial to making safe sanitation services affordable for households.
The Case for CWIS
Experts advocate for Citywide Inclusive Sanitation as Nigeria’s next step towards sustainable development. CWIS promotes gender equity, public health, and environmental sustainability, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6.
A Slow but Steady March
Nigeria’s journey towards a clean, open defecation-free future is a challenging one. However, the gains in communities like Araromi Aperin inspire hope. As the country prepares for World Toilet Day, the focus remains on sanitation as a catalyst for dignity, equity, and a brighter future for Nigerian children.
A Mother’s Perspective
Mrs. Taiwo Adebisi, a resident of Araromi Aperin, shares her experience: “Having a toilet at home means safety and pride. It has changed our lives.”
For Oba Araromi and his community, the fight continues, one household toilet at a time.