The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to improving sanitation across Nigeria.
Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, made the statement on Thursday during the 2025 World Toilet Day Commemoration, Community Engagement Campaign, and inauguration of a Smart Toilet at Orange Market, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
Lawal, represented by Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, emphasized that access to clean and safe toilets is a fundamental human right crucial for public health and environmental protection.
He noted that globally, about 4.5 billion people lack safely managed sanitation systems, while 892 million continue to practice open defecation. Poor sanitation, he said, contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio.
“Access to a safe and clean toilet is not a privilege but a fundamental human right that protects health and safeguards our environment,” Lawal said.
The Minister highlighted that World Toilet Day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, draws global attention to the plight of billions without access to safe toilets. This year’s theme, “Sanitation in a Changing World,” reflects evolving environmental, social, and public health challenges, particularly amid rapid urbanization and population growth.
As part of the commemoration, the Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with Bhustan Energy and Environmental Services Ltd and Rural Women Energy Security, inaugurated a Smart Toilet facility at Orange Market. The initiative targets traders, transport workers, and market users, promoting proper sanitation, hygiene, and safe waste disposal.
Dr. Stephen Ohize, Regional Coordinator of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) Country Support Platform and the Red Cross, said safe, dignified, and adequate sanitation is key to preventing cholera and other waterborne diseases.
“Public toilets in busy markets are not just projects; they are powerful tools to protect health, support business, and uphold human dignity—especially for women, girls, the elderly, and people with disabilities,” Ohize said.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by Mrs. Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Environment, described the Smart Toilet and the previously installed air pollution monitoring facility as meaningful contributions to community well-being.
“Toilet is not a luxury; it is a necessity. I urge everyone in the market to take full ownership of this project and maintain it for the benefit of the community,” Sule said.
