Male & Female Toilets. (Source: CDC.gov)
Nigeria is facing a severe sanitation crisis. According to a recent report, 69% of the population in Nigeria is reported to be deprived in terms of access to sanitary facilities. This is a dire situation that needs to be addressed urgently. When people do not have access to adequate sanitation, they are more likely to resort to open defecation, and in Nigeria's case, it saw it being crowned as the open defecation capital of the world in 2019.
This bring with itself challenges that can lead to health problems, such as the spread of disease, and environmental pollution. Additionally, the lack of sanitation facilities can also be a barrier to education, as girls may drop out of school when they reach puberty if there are no toilets or private facilities for them to use. This is one of the reasons why many organizations work to improve access to sanitation in developing countries.
One of the regions that is particularly affected by this crisis is the South East. In states such as Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi, the percentage of households that are deprived of sanitary facilities is 67%, 56%, and 87% respectively. These numbers are alarmingly high and indicate the extent of the problem in the region.
Another region that is affected by this crisis is the South South. States such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers have percentages of households that are deprived of sanitary facilities ranging from 70% to 95%. These numbers are also very high and indicate that the problem is not limited to just one region of the country.
In contrast, the region with the lowest percentage of households that are deprived of sanitary facilities is the South West. Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, has the lowest percentage at 28%. Other states in the region such as Ogun, Osun and Ondo have percentages of 31%, 65% and 66% respectively. These numbers are still high, but they are lower than the other regions mentioned above.
It is also worth noting that the North Central region, which includes the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja, has a percentage of 63% of households that are deprived of sanitary facilities. This is an indication that the problem is not limited to rural areas, but also affects urban areas.
It is clear from these numbers that Nigeria is facing a serious sanitation crisis. This crisis not only affects the health and well-being of the population, but it also has a negative impact on the economy and the development of the country. It is crucial that the government and other stakeholders take immediate action to address this problem.
One possible solution is to increase investment in infrastructure and facilities that provide access to clean water and sanitation. This could include building more toilets and latrines in schools, communities, and households, as well as upgrading existing facilities. Additionally, awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the public on the importance of sanitation and how to maintain good hygiene practices.
Another solution is to involve the private sector in the provision of sanitation services. This could include partnerships between government and private companies to build and manage sanitation facilities. This would not only increase access to sanitation but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
In conclusion, Nigeria is facing a severe sanitation crisis with 69% of the population reported to be deprived in sanitary facilities. The South East and South South regions are particularly affected, with percentages of households that are deprived of sanitary facilities ranging from 56% to 95%. The government and other stakeholders must take immediate action to address this problem by increasing investment in infrastructure and facilities, and involving the private sector in the provision of sanitation services.