The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with States, Local
Government Councils and other key players across the federation to operationalize an achievable detailed roadmap towards achieving an open defecation-free Nigeria.
The House urged that this be achieved using scientific approaches such as providing water, hygiene and sanitation in all public places.
It mandated the Committee on Water Resources to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need for Adequate Provisions for Water Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) Facilities in Public places in Abuja and other public spaces in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Henry Odianosen Okojie.
The House informed that Nigeria has set a target to eradicate open defecation by 2025 in line with the revised global target set by the United Nations but unfortunately, no serious action is being taken to reduce the trends as over 23% (46 million) practice open defecation in Nigeria.
The House said it was aware that the Nigeria Government has developed several initiatives to improve the water and sanitation
situation in the country without success.
It said for instance, the World Bank has approved the Nigeria Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Program (SURWASH) with a $700 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to provide 6 million people with basic water, hygiene and sanitation facilities especially in public places.
The House said it was conscious that access to clean and hygienic toilet facilities is a basic human right and essential for public
health which should be made available at motor parks, mechanic sites, public offices and areas with high numbers of pedestrians to curb the high rates of open defecation in Nigeria.
The House said it was cognizant that the Nigeria government has set a target to become Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2025.