UNICEF Emphasizes Private Sector’s Crucial Role in Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stressed the importance of private sector investment in public toilet businesses to achieve an Open Defecation-Free (ODF) Nigeria. This was the primary focus of a two-day consultation held in Lagos, on Friday where experts highlighted the need for private sector involvement to end open defecation.
Experts at the event projected that private sector investment in public toilets would significantly help Nigeria achieve Open Defecation-Free status.
UNICEF Chief of WASH, Jane Bevan, stressed the importance of sanitation in Nigeria concerning the SDGs, noting that the private sector could access loans to build public toilets.
She said, “It is crucial to get everyone on board to achieve the SDG targets by 2026. We need to increase coverage. The private sector can establish public toilets and secure loans to fund sanitation facilities. Involving the private sector is key to ending open defecation in Nigeria.
“We are working closely with the FG and exploring the use of revolving loans to build public toilets. Additionally, we need widespread and continuous sensitization across all areas.”
Speaking at the event, the Director of Water Quality and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, revealed that 48 million Nigerians are without toilets, emphasizing the need for private sector investment to help the government address open defecation.
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She said, “This gathering is focused on providing facilities for safe fecal disposal and planning to lift the 48 million Nigerians affected by open defecation.
“We need collaboration with the private sector to provide toilets and sanitation facilities in public spaces like schools, health centers, and motor parks, which they can also brand. The government cannot achieve this alone.”
Also speaking, Gabriel Ekanem of the National Economic Summit Group said the organization would collaborate with the government to identify opportunities in the toilet business.
He lamented, however, that maintenance was crucial to sustaining the toilet business.
“The discussion revolves around investment, whether in building sanitation products and maintenance in public spaces.
“We will collaborate with the FG to identify investment opportunities, as it’s challenging to invest sustainably without proper management. There must be funding allocated specifically for maintenance.
“Regarding the facilities we have already started, we will identify locations and address regulatory barriers in certain states. If assets are not funded for maintenance, they cannot be properly maintained.
Lastly, he stated that “Consistent funding is essential to ensure upkeep, and maintenance must be accounted for. A strong maintenance culture is needed. The government must also create an enabling environment with the right legal framework for investments. Additionally, we must recognize that local governments, due to their autonomy, are now responsible for the provision of public facilities,”.
