Open Defecation: Emerging Health Disaster In Abuja And Environs.

By Lazarus Zakaa, Abuja.

A recent survey conducted by the National bureau of statistics and United Nations Children’s Find (UNICEF) ranked Nigeria as the Second in the world with a prevalence in Open defecation, after India.

According to the report, not less than 47 million Nigerians practice open defecation with the highest number recorded in the North Central part of the country.

Abuja, the Nation’s Capital is not exempted as over 50 percent of residents of the Federal Capital Territory especially in slums defecate openly.

This situation however may have informed the decision of the FCT minister, Mohammed Bello to partner with the ministry of water resources to address the challenge .

It is however expected that collaborations such as this including policies of government targeted at water supply, Sanitation and hygiene will help achieve the 2025 target of Open Defecation Free Nigeria.