Lawmaker Pushes For End To Open Defecation In Cross River

Member representing Etung state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Kingsley  Ntui, has called for sanctions against individuals who defecate in ravines, uncompleted buildings, and drainages in the state.

Ntui made this call yesterday in Calabar, during a brief interview with LEADERSHIP after a public hearing on the open defecation bill at the state House of Assembly mini hall.

The lawmaker emphasised the need for urgent action to address open defecation, citing significant health risks, including water contamination and disease spread.

He noted that the federal government aims to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025, but progress has been slow.

Ntui’s stance aligns with efforts by organisations like WaterAid Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Environment to promote sanitation and hygiene practices.

According to Self Help Africa (SHA), 41% of Cross River State’s population practices open defecation, with only 8% of schools, 0.4% of healthcare facilities, and 6% of public places having access to basic WASH services.

The proposed Open Defecation Prohibition Bill aims to provide a legal framework for enforcing sanitation standards, complement existing WASH policies, and eliminate open defecation by 2030.

If adopted, the bill would create accountability mechanisms, mobilize resources, and protect public health and dignity, especially for vulnerable populations.

SHA’s Mr. Ferdinand Anok, emphasized the need for the bill’s passage, citing significant gaps in achieving Sustainable Development Goal.

The bill’s passage would position Cross River State as a model for others in ending open defecation.

The public hearing demonstrated the state’s commitment to addressing open defecation, and stakeholders are optimistic about the bill’s passage and implementation.