Harpic Partners Federal, Lagos Govt To Champion Access To Safe Toilets, End Open Defecation

Harpic, Nigeria’s leading toilet cleaning brand from Reckitt, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving sanitation and hygiene across Nigeria.

The brand partnered with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Lagos State Government to commemorate World Toilet Day 2025, themed “We Will Always Need the Toilet.”

Recent data from the United Nations reveal that 3.6 billion people globally still lack access to safely managed sanitation. In Nigeria, poor sanitation costs the economy an estimated N455 billion every year and contributes to preventable diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.

This year’s commemoration featured the maiden National Sanitation Conference, the 6th anniversary of the Clean Nigeria: Use the toilet Campaign in Abuja, and a two-day series of sensitisation and awareness activities in Lagos. All events aimed to strengthen public-private partnerships, encourage behavioural change, and promote access to clean sanitation facilities nationwide.

In Abuja, the National Sanitation Conference brought together government representatives, health experts, and community leaders to explore practical solutions for achieving universal access to safe toilets. The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognising individuals and organisations driving progress in sanitation and hygiene across Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 National Sanitation Conference in Abuja on Monday, the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, Inna Binta Audu said: “Sanitation is not only about toilets or infrastructure; it is about human dignity, health, productivity, and the future of our nation’s children. A clean Nigeria is a healthy, prosperous, and equitable Nigeria. He called for accelerated action to unlock Nigeria’s $14.23 billion sanitation economy by 2030, warning that the country currently loses $3 billion annually due to inadequate sanitation, due to its effects on health and productivity.”

According to the Head of External Communications and Partnerships at Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, she said, “We are proud to stand with the government, our partners and our communities in advancing one shared goal, accelerating access to safe sanitation for all Nigerians. Access to hygienic sanitation is not a lifestyle upgrade; it’s a necessity for preventing disease, and it’s a fundamental human right. Through our brand Harpic, we are committed to championing this purpose until everyone can have access to safe and decent sanitation, irrespective of their socioeconomic class. When toilets work, communities will thrive; when they do not, the consequences will affect everyone.”

Following her remarks, government leaders restated their commitment to ending open defecation and ensuring access to safe sanitation for all Nigerians. Minister, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, said, “This year’s World Toilet Day reminds us that access to safe sanitation is not a privilege but a fundamental right of every citizen. Our Ministry remains committed to accelerating efforts to end open defecation and ensuring every Nigerian has access to clean, safe sanitation. We commend Reckitt for its continuous collaboration in advancing hygiene awareness nationwide.”

For its consistency in innovation and investment in the sanitation sector, Reckitt Nigeria was also awarded a Private Sector Award by the Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC), which recognises excellence in sanitation, innovation, and investment.

The Lagos edition featured a two-day line-up of activities. Harpic led an Anti-Open Defecation Sensitisation Walk across the five IBILE divisions, followed by a stakeholder symposium focused on sustainable sanitation and community-led solutions. The symposium brought together government officials, environmental experts, civil society groups, and community leaders to discuss ways to address the sanitation challenges facing urban communities.

Speaking during the Lagos edition, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Mr Tokunbo Philip Wahab, represented by MD/CEO Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency, Mr Fatiu Akiolu commended Harpic’s effort, saying, “Our target remains clear, which is to make Lagos Open Defecation Free (ODF) in line with the national target by 2030, and to ensure that every Lagosian has access to a clean and safe toilet, irrespective of where they live. The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, took a commendable step by recently approving the construction of 20 public toilets of 10 units each, making a total of 200 units of public toilets and bathrooms in strategic locations.”

Over the past 10 years, Harpic has invested in programmes that educate households, partnered with the state, federal government and development partners, supported community sanitation awareness, provided clean and functional public toilets, reinforced its position as a key advocate for hygiene and a strong partner in Nigeria’s drive toward an Open Defecation Free (ODF) nation.

Through ongoing collaboration with government and communities, Harpic continues to build a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified future for all Nigerians.