By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Federal Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art Smart Toilet Facility in Mararaba’s Orange Market, Nasarawa State, as part of the 2025 World Toilet Day celebrations.
This event highlights the critical need for proper sanitation systems and draws global attention to the plight of billions lacking access to safe toilets.
According to the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, approximately 4.5 billion people worldwide lack safely managed sanitation systems, while 892 million people still practice open defecation.
“This situation contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid,” he said.
The Minister represented by Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the ministry emphasized that access to a safe and clean toilet is a fundamental human right, essential for protecting public health and the environment.
He noted that the theme for this year’s World Toilet Day, “Sanitation in a Changing World,” underscores the importance of adapting sanitation practices to address evolving environmental, social, and public health challenges.
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, represented by the State Commissioner of Environment, Mrs. Margaret Elayo, stressed that a toilet is not a luxury but a necessity.
He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and maintain it properly.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including Dr. Stephen Ohize, Regional Coordinator of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control Country Support Platform (GTFCC) and the Red Cross.
Dr. Ohize highlighted the importance of safe, dignified, and adequate sanitation in preventing cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The Smart Toilet Facility is a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Environment, Bhustan Energy and Environmental Services Ltd, and Rural Women Energy Security, targeting traders, transport workers, and market users to promote proper sanitation, hygiene, and waste disposal practices.
