From Abel Leonard Lafia
In a bid to strengthen environmental health and sanitation practices, the Federal Ministry of Environment has partnered with the Nasarawa State Government to tackle the menace of open defecation across the state’s 13 local government areas.
The collaboration was unveiled on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during a community sensitisation campaign held at Lafia Modern Market and Ungwar Wajen Lelle, as part of activities marking the 2025 National Environmental Sanitation Day.
Speaking during the exercise, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, represented by Mrs. Omotinde Adiola, Director Two, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, said the joint initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to promoting cleaner and healthier communities.
“A filthy environment poses severe health risks, exposing residents to preventable diseases. This sensitisation is a critical part of our nationwide campaign to educate Nigerians on proper waste management and environmental hygiene,” Lawal stated.
He revealed that although the annual campaign typically holds in June, Nasarawa State was specially selected for this year’s event following a request by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
“The governor’s proactive interest in environmental issues influenced our decision to bring the campaign to Lafia. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to public health,” he added.
Lawal further urged households to ensure the availability of toilets and to keep them clean, stressing that Nigeria continues to rank among countries with the highest incidence of open defecation, with approximately 48 million Nigerians still practicing it, according to 2021 WASH NORM statistics.
“We are collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to address this challenge. Citizens must use toilets, maintain hygiene, and wash their hands with soap under running water after defecation,” the minister advised.
Also speaking, Mr. Ebisike Augustine, Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on National Environmental Sanitation Day, emphasised the importance of personal and community hygiene in preventing disease outbreaks.
“If we all maintain clean surroundings and personal hygiene, we can significantly reduce cases of malaria, cholera, and other sanitation-related diseases,” he said.
On the state’s part, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margret Elayo—represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hussaini Baba-Yayi—said the campaign aligns with the state’s ongoing sanitation drive under Governor Sule.
“The state government is committed to improving sanitation by working with private investors to provide public toilets and ensuring that every household has functional toilet facilities,” Elayo said, noting that two public toilets are currently under construction in strategic locations in Lafia, with plans for 30 more in the state capital alone.
She noted that enforcement teams for the monthly sanitation exercise would be strengthened, while residents were urged to dispose of waste only at designated collection points for timely evacuation.
Community leader and District Head of Ungwar Wajen Lelle, Alhaji Baba Saidu, commended both levels of government for the initiative and pledged grassroots support for its implementation.
“We welcome this awareness drive and will ensure that the message reaches our people. However, we also appeal to the government to assist us with proper drainage systems to address erosion in our area,” he said.
The sensitisation programme is part of a broader national strategy to eliminate open defecation, improve public health, and foster sustainable environmental practices across Nigeria.
