The Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate, in collaboration with Wastebox Ltd, a waste management company, launched a campaign against open defecation on the streets and motor parks of Abuja on Monday.

The campaign, tagged ‘Clean FCT: Use the Toilet’, began at Area 1 temporary motor park and then proceeded through several motor parks in Garki District.

Drivers and commuters in the motor parks, including traders and residents on the streets, were reached with key messages on the dangers of open defecation.

Chika Ibe from the waste management company explained that the move was aimed at accelerating the attainment of Open Defecation Free status in Abuja by 2030.

Ms Ibe urged the FCT Administration to strengthen collaboration with concerned citizens, development partners, non-governmental organisations, and other government agencies to take the campaign to the doorsteps of residents.

This, according to her, will significantly improve interventions geared towards ending ODF in Abuja before 2030.

She pointed out that the practice of open defecation, particularly in rural communities with little or no toilets, was worrisome. She said that the ugly practice was predisposing rural dwellers to life-threatening diseases like cholera and other infectious diseases.

Ms Ibe stressed the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts to end open defecation as soon as possible.

“Nigeria is one of the countries that are still practising open defecation. The initial target to end open defecation was 2025, but extended to 2030. I am sure we will achieve it if we strengthen our collaboration, intensify our interventions, and carry out massive sensitisation campaigns,” Ms Ibe.

An officer from FCT RUWASSA’s sanitation department, Esther Shettima, noted that open defecation still persists despite the availability of public toilets in strategic locations across Abuja.

Ms Shettima, however, acknowledged a significant improvement in ODF status across the territory, “but if we relax and don’t do anything about it, we will not be able to achieve the ODF status.

“This is why we are partnering with relevant stakeholders to help drive the message to every household on the dangers of open defecation,” she said. 

(NAN)