Adedokun Waliyu 
Nigeria urgently needs estimated 11 million toilets nationwide even as the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has urged the private sector to play a more active role in addressing the country’s sanitation crisis.
To this end, a high-level meeting in Lagos brought together government officials, private sector representatives, and international organisations to address the pressing issue of open defecation in Nigeria.
Addressing the participants who highlighted the significant health, economic, and social consequences of open defecation practice and called for urgent action to improve sanitation infrastructure and promote behavioural change, UNICEF, UNICEF’s Chief of WASH in Nigeria, Dr Jane Bevan said with an estimated 48 million people lacking access to toilets, Nigeria remains one of the world’s worst offenders for open defecation.
“The government alone cannot solve this problem. We need a multi-faceted approach that includes the private sector,” Bevan emphasised.
She highlighted the potential for private businesses to invest in public toilets, particularly in urban areas like Lagos, and to support small businesses involved in sanitation services.
Bevan noted that while the government has made progress in reducing open defecation, much more needs to be done. She pointed to the example of Bauchi State, where UNICEF has been working with the government to provide revolving loans to sanitation businesses.
On her part, the Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Céline Lafourcade urged the private sector to play a more significant role in addressing Nigeria’s sanitation crisis, which affects an estimated 48 million people.
Highlighting the urgent need for investment and partnerships to improve sanitation infrastructure and promote behavioural change, she emphasised the critical importance of private sector involvement in achieving universal access to sanitation.
“We need all hands on deck because this is a vital and major work that we have to do today with an estimated 11 million toilets urgently need to be built across Nigeria. This is a huge economic opportunity, a huge economic opportunity for the private sector, for the population as well, and for the government as well.
“We cannot do this alone,” she said. “The Nigerian government, development partners, and the private sector must work together to address this pressing issue.”
She highlighted the economic benefits of investing in sanitation, noting that it can generate significant returns for both the private sector and the government.
She also emphasized the potential for creating jobs and empowering young people through the sanitation sector.
Speaking, the Director General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Olusola Obadimu, emphasised the importance of improving hygiene standards.
He called for improved hygiene to attract investment and position the country as a desirable destination for businesses.
Obadimu stressed the negative impact of open defecation on Nigeria’s image and its potential to deter investors.
He urged the private sector to support efforts to eliminate this practice and promote a more hygienic environment.
“We must be proud to show up to visit our government. The practice of open defecation is an eyesore and hinders our ability to attract investment.”
Speaking, the representative of the National Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Nyamanso Ekanem pledged NESG support for efforts to improve sanitation in Nigeria, stressing the significant economic and social impacts of open defecation.
He emphasised the need for urgent action.
NESG identified several key areas where investment can drive improvements in sanitation including; building toilets and sanitation facilities in public places, schools, and communities, improving the management of wastewater and faecal sludge, and ensuring access to safe drinking water.
The group also emphasized the importance of government and private sector collaboration in addressing the sanitation crisis. “By working together, they can develop effective solutions and mobilize the necessary resources to improve sanitation infrastructure and promote behavioural change.”
On her part, the Director General of the US Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Chinyere Alumona emphasised the critical importance of addressing the sanitation crisis in Nigeria, stressing the significant health, social, and economic implications of open defecation, hence, the need for immediate action.
Alumona noted that over 48 million people in Nigeria still practice open defecation, contributing to a staggering annual loss of $1.5 billion due to health-related issues and reduced productivity.
She emphasized the need for a collective effort involving the government, private sector, and international organizations to address this challenge.
“Investing in improved sanitation not only addresses these critical health concerns but also promises substantial economic returns,” Dr. Alumona said.
She cited studies that show a significant return on investment in sanitation, with potential economic benefits of up to $5.50 for every $1 spent.
The US Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting efforts to improve sanitation in Nigeria. She called on the private sector to play a more active role in addressing the issue, emphasizing the potential for economic benefits and social impact.
Giving an overview of the country’s progress and challenges in achieving universal access to sanitation, the Director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWRS), Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh said there have been improvements in access to basic sanitation; significant gaps remain, particularly in rural areas.
Despite efforts to promote open defecation-free (ODF) status, only 126 local governments out of 774 have achieved this goal.
Ugoh who is the Director of Water Quality, Sanitation, and Hygiene at the FMWRS, emphasized the need for increased investment, improved infrastructure, and stronger partnerships to address these challenges. She highlighted the ministry’s efforts to develop a new sanitation policy that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.
She called on the private sector to play a more active role in supporting sanitation initiatives.
