In a recent interview with Mr. Ene Baba-Owoh, National Coordinator of Clean-Up Nigeria, it was revealed that Nigeria has experienced a commendable seven percent improvement in hygiene and sanitation practices since 2018.
This announcement followed the ‘STONE 2023 PRO-MAX’ event, an annual study on the state of the environment held in Abuja, where Akwa Ibom was declared the cleanest state in Nigeria for the sixth consecutive year.
Baba-Owoh expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of both the government and citizens in achieving this progress.
He highlighted the reduction of open defecation from 32% in 2018 to 24% in 2023, signaling a positive trend, although Nigeria remains a global leader in open defecation.
Despite the gains, the report unveiled challenges such as a decline in waste management equipment and reduced funding by states and local government councils.
The procurement of waste management equipment showed a six percent improvement, but the overall decrease in operational equipment requires urgent attention from authorities.
Additionally, the health of sanitation workers and informal sector operators faced setbacks, with a drop from 46% to 31% and 30% to 26%, respectively. Sanitation-related diseases witnessed a concerning 27% increase from 2018 to 2023.
The study pointed out that only four states—Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, and Bauchi—have sanitary landfills, while the remaining 33 states rely on open dumping, calling for immediate intervention.
Baba-Owoh urged the reinstatement of the monthly sanitation exercise and emphasized the importance of regular drainage cleanup to ensure a healthier Nigeria.
He stressed the need for citizens to actively participate in environmental sanitation, advocating for the reinforcement of health and environment clubs in schools nationwide.
In conclusion, the report underscores the progress made in hygiene practices while shedding light on persistent challenges that demand collective efforts for a cleaner, healthier, and safer Nigeria.