In observance of World Toilet Day, the Ogun State Government has officially criminalized open defecation and urination as part of its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
World Toilet Day, celebrated annually on November 19, aims to raise awareness about sanitation challenges. This year’s theme, “Toilets – A Place for Peace,” emphasizes the impact of inadequate sanitation systems on communities and highlights the importance of sustainable solutions for building healthy, stable societies.
Launched in 2019, the campaign to eliminate open defecation in Nigeria aims to meet its nationwide goal by 2025. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has one of the world’s highest rates of open defecation, with over 46 million people engaging in the practice.
Ogun State’s Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, announced the new law during the commissioning of four public toilets equipped with bio-digesters in border communities along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, including Berger, Isheri, Warewa, and Magboro. These facilities bring the total number of public toilets in the area to 20 and the statewide count to 80.
Oresanya stated that the initiative is a critical step in making Ogun an open-defecation-free state, with the newly criminalized act being met with strict enforcement and penalties. He noted that this move supports SDG 6, enhances the state’s cleanliness, and improves residents’ well-being.
“This marks a significant step in our journey to make Ogun State open-defecation-free. It reaffirms our dedication to SDG 6, ensuring access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for everyone,” Oresanya said. “By enforcing this law and providing public facilities, we aim to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all.”