Nasarawa State Government Launches Sanitation Initiative

The Nasarawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, has made sanitation a top priority. At a media briefing in Lafia ahead of World Toilet Day on November 19, Dr. Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals, and Mining, announced a zero tolerance policy for open defecation and practices detrimental to public health.

Dr. Elayo highlighted that over 3.5 billion people globally lack safe sanitation services, with Nigeria still facing significant challenges in this area. She noted that open defecation contributes to preventable waterborne diseases, which claim thousands of children's lives annually.

To address these issues, the government plans to collaborate closely with local governments, traditional rulers, and community leaders to declare communities open-defecation-free. Additionally, the state aims to construct accessible public toilets in various locations, focusing on women, children, and persons with disabilities.

Dr. Elayo also donated a mobile toilet made from recycled materials, pledging to expand this initiative across schools and public spaces.