The Nigerian Bottling Company(NBC) Limited and its implementing partner, the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), commissioned two state-of-the-art sanitary facilities.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 places a priority on achieving clean water and sanitation for all.
According to UNICEF, more than 46 million people still practise open defecation in Nigeria.
Recognising the need to address this vital requirement in the community, NBC took the initiative to provide dignified sanitary and hygiene facilities, to underserved locations across Nigeria.
In addition to the 10-room public toilet block that are wheelchair accessible, borehole, overhead tank, sanitary bio-digester, handwash and hand dryer launched in Lagos, NBC is also launching state-of-the-art toilet and sanitary facilities across four other locations in Nigeria including; Owerri, Benin, Kano, and Maiduguri.
This initiative is estimated to benefit approximately five million people annually, thereby promoting better health, hygiene, and improved living conditions for the residents.
These efforts are also in accordance with NBC’s mission 2025 sustainability commitments aimed at achieving sustainable development in host communities.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director of Nigerian Bottling Company, Oluwasoromidayo George, emphasised the company’s commitment towards water sustainability, stewardship, and environmental hygiene.
She said:“at NBC, we are deeply committed to the cause of water sustainability, stewardship, and environmental hygiene. Today, we take a significant step towards a cleaner, healthier Nigeria by donating toilets and sanitary facilities, to support the federal government’s mission to eradicate open defecation.
“Open defecation poses serious health and environmental risks to our communities and as responsible corporate citizens, we understand the importance of access to proper sanitation facilities. Through this donation, we remain resolute in our commitment, and we stand firmly behind our mission to make a lasting impact.”
Also speaking at the event, OPS-WASH national coordinator, Dr Nicholas Igwe, remarked on NBC’s efforts towards water sustainability and expressed delight in the collaboration between the organisations.
He said: “We are proud to collaborate with NBC on this project, which will not only improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians but also contribute significantly to the goal of ending open defecation.
“The partnership also underscores the power of private-sector engagement in addressing critical social and environmental challenges in Nigeria. Together, we are setting a strong example for corporate responsibility and sustainable development in the region.
The representative of the permanent secretary, Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources, Office of Environmental Services, Omoyeni Balogun, noted that, “NBC’s dedication to water sanitation and hygiene represents a commendable stride toward a cleaner and healthier future for our nation and its citizens. It mirrors our collective commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
“The federal ministry’s pledge to attain open defecation-free status in Nigeria by 2025 is guided by a well-defined roadmap that places significant emphasis on rectifying infrastructural deficiencies and nurturing partnerships with both the private and public sectors.’’
