World Toilet Day: FG Commissions Smart Public Toilet Facility …AS GTFCC recommits to cholera eradication in Nigeria
By Juliet Ukanwoau
The Federal Government in collaboration with the Nasarawa State government on Thursday commissioned a Smart Toilet Facility at the popular Orange Market, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
The commissioning was part of activities to mark the 2025 World Toilet Day with the theme, “Sanitation in a Changing World.” Celebrated annually on November 19th, the event highlights the need for proper sanitation systems, attracting global attention to the plight of people lacking access to safe toilets around the world.
Speaking during the commissioning, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said approximately 4.5 billion people worldwide lack access to safe sanitation systems, while about 892 million people still practice open defecation.
Lawal who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, noted that the challenge contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
While stressing that that access to a safe and clean toilet is a fundamental human right, essential for protecting public health and the environment, he said this year’s theme underscores the importance of adapting sanitation practices to address evolving environmental, social, and public health challenges.
In his remarks, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the Commissioner of Environment, Mrs. Margaret Elayo, stressed that a toilet is not a luxury but a necessity. He appealed to the traders and residents of the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure that it is properly used and maintained.
Meanwhile, the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) Country Support Platform has pledged its commitment to continue supporting efforts the lead to cholera eradication in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Orange Market, Dr. Stephen Ohize, Regional Coordinator of the GTFCC said multisectoral collaboration, evidence-based planning through hotspot mapping, community engagement, and investments that lead to a cholera-free Nigeria will be adopted.
The GTFCC, with more than 65 global partners, including governments (Nigeria inclusive), development partners, donors, and regional organisations, works to galvanise support, provide guidelines and ultimately advance the goal of the global roadmap to end cholera and, by extension, other waterborne diseases.
“Safe, dignified, and adequate sanitation is one of our most effective tools against cholera. This is well reflected in the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC), launched earlier this year. Public toilets are not just a project; they are a powerful tool to protect health, support business, and uphold human dignity – especially for women, girls, the elderly, and people living with disabilities,” Ohize said.
He commended the Federal Ministry of environment , the Nasarawa State Government, and the leadership of Orange Market for the initiative, which he said symbolises what can be achieved when government, communities, private investors, and development partners collaborate for public health and human dignity.
Subscribe To Newsletter
