As the United Nations (UN) marks the World Toilet Day on today, Water Aid Nigeria has drawn attention to the fact that no fewer than 120 million Nigerians have access to decent toilets in their homes.
The not-for-profit-making organisation disclosed this on its website saying having access to potable water and decent toilets by 2030 are crucial for actualising the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.
The organisation said 62 million children in Nigeria do not have access to a decent toilet at home while 52 per cent of schools do not have basic sanitation hence, children are exposed to illness that could take their lives.
“We are working with the government as it renews its efforts to reach the people who are most in need of these essential services. 59 million people don’t have clean water, that is, one in every three people. 123 million people don’t have a decent toilet, that is, seven in 10 people who are more likely to be ill, more often. 59,500 children under five die a year, due to poor water and sanitation,” it said.
It further said Nigeria was making progress in reaching people with water, as seven in 10 people now have potable water to drink.
However, it said with fewer than three in 10 people having a decent toilet, Nigeria has a big task to address its sanitation challenge.
