The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing sanitation and hygiene and eliminating open defecation as part of efforts to combat emerging and re-emerging diseases in the country.
Lawal gave the assurance during a ceremony commemorating the 2025 National Environmental Sanitation Day held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
He noted that poor sanitation has far-reaching consequences, including increased disease burden, economic losses, water and soil contamination, and long-term environmental degradation, all of which undermine public health and sustainable development.
The Minister emphasized that the emergence of diseases such as COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, yellow fever, and dengue fever underscores the critical role of sanitation and hygiene in preventing and controlling disease outbreaks.
“Across our communities, we continue to face the threat of preventable diseases like typhoid, diarrhoea, and malaria—ailments that thrive in conditions of poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene,” he said.
Lawal revealed that over 3.5 million Nigerian children suffer from diarrhoea-related illnesses annually, with many succumbing to diseases linked to poor hygiene and sanitation.
He condemned the continued use of unhealthy sanitation facilities, warning that improper sewage systems contaminate water sources, soil, and air—thereby increasing the spread of waterborne diseases.
To tackle these challenges, Lawal disclosed that the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has reviewed and updated the 2005 National Environmental Sanitation Policy and its implementation guidelines.
He also announced the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the National Solid Waste Management Policy, and the launch of a National Policy on Antimicrobial Resistance for the Environment Sector.
“These initiatives will support the construction of public toilets across the country to curb open defecation, along with ongoing public awareness and sensitization campaigns on its dangers,” the Minister said.
Aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Lawal urged Nigerians to embrace proper waste disposal practices, avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and take ownership of their surroundings and sanitation infrastructure.
He commended the Nasarawa State Government, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on National Environmental Sanitation Day, and other key stakeholders for their commitment to safe sanitation and hygiene. “A clean environment is the product of sustained effort, vigilance, and community spirit,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Stephen Ohize, Regional Coordinator of the GTFCC Country Support Platform, Lake Chad Hub, pledged support for Nigeria’s cholera control strategy, as outlined in the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC).
He added that the Red Cross family remains committed to advancing sanitation and hygiene as key components of disease prevention.
In her remarks, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the Ministry, Bahijjatu Abubakar, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 6 by 2030, focusing on good health, well-being, clean water, and sanitation.
She praised the Nasarawa State Government for mobilizing community leaders, stakeholders, and youth groups to participate in the sanitation campaign, describing it as a significant step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
