The House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has lamented that the growing incidence of open defecation in Nigeria was undermining dignity and quality of life, while also posing grace risks to health.
To this end, he said, in line with its Legislative Agenda, the House would work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a healthy environment, water resources and public health for all citizens.
The Speaker stated this Thursday at a Public Hearing by the House of Representatives Committees on Environment, Water Resources, Works, Ecological Fund and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness” in Abuja.
Abbas stated: “The reasons for this public hearing as initiated by the Committees are quite apparent, firstly, the growing incidence of open defecation in Nigeria is placing grave risks to health and undermines our dignity and quality of life.
“As representatives of the people, we cannot remain idle observers of this happening. I firmly believe that every citizen should have access to facilities enabling them to maintain good sanitation and hygiene practices.”
Abbas stressed that in doing so, they are ensuring that Nigerians are protected not only in terms of public health but also in the dignity of our fundamental human rights.
He added: “We cannot ignore the pressing demand for additional toilets across the nation. Clean and secure sanitation facilities are a fundamental human right that remains inaccessible to millions of citizens.
“This stark disparity between the fortunate few and those lacking this vital service is evident in terms of quality of life, health and in instances out disease outbreaks but this is a gap that can be effectively closed through collaborative efforts involving government bodies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations.”
Also, the Minister of State for Environment, Ishaq Salako said the ministry was implementing Community Based Intervention on the control of open defecation programs nationwide.
He said the program has components of sensitisation/awareness campaign and construction/provision of public toilets with Solar powered Boreholes.
The minister noted that the program has been implemented in FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, and Abia states, adding that the ministry intends to scale up the project to other states of the federation.