World Toilet Day: Rural Water Agency Seeks Action On Sanitation

The overseeing director of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Mr Luke Ifop, has called on government bodies at all levels to ensure the provision and promotion of safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient sanitation systems.

Ifop who was represented by the Head of Sanitation at FCT RUWASSA, Mrs Aisha Bakpet, made the call during World Toilet Day 2024 celebrations at the Bwari area council, with the theme, “Toilets: A Place for Peace.”

The overseeing director highlighted the theme, “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” which he said underscored the urgent need for all stakeholders to take action to protect sanitation facilities against threats that make them unsafe or inaccessible.

“Challenges in sanitation impact entire communities, affecting men, women, children, persons with disabilities, and those in humanitarian crises,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the chairman of the Bwari area council for the council’s support, noting that the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Unit has made significant contributions at the community level.

Ifop stressed the importance of decent toilets in households to prevent disease outbreaks and promote hygienic practices, underscoring that open defecation contributes significantly to the spread of cholera, typhoid, and other diseases.

“All hands must be on deck to ensure that we achieve an open defecation-free FCT by 2025,” he added.

The country director of WaterAid Nigeria, Mrs Evelyn Mere, who was represented by the Sanitation and Hygiene coordinator, Mr Obinna Maz-Ogbodo, highlighted a grave reality, that over half of Nigeria’s population lacks access to decent toilets.

She warned that this situation compromises public health, stunts economic growth, and strips millions of their dignity.

“Addressing this urgent challenge is critical, especially as climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities, polluting fragile water sources and overwhelming sanitation systems.

“Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, clean water and sanitation for all, requires collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector. We must prioritize investment and champion policies that scale successful interventions,” she said.

Mere urged leaders to commit to maintaining and replicating effective strategies nationwide to ensure inclusivity.

“WaterAid remains dedicated to partnering with governments and communities to provide equitable sanitation services for every Nigerian. Together, we can build a future where access to a decent toilet is a guaranteed right for all,” she said.

Chairman of Bwari area council, John Gabaya, expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for his visionary leadership and commitment to elevating the FCT as a leading global capital.

He praised FCT RUWASSA for its relentless advocacy and community engagement.

“Ending open defecation in the FCT is a priority for all of us, and we in Bwari are committed to this goal. Providing decent toilets in homes and public spaces is vital for the health and well-being of individuals, families, and the community at large.

“I can personally attest to the peace and clarity of thought that can come from spending time in the toilet,” he said.