Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government yesterday inaugurated a new smart toilet in Nasarawa State, calling for stronger sanitation efforts across the state to ensure Nigeria exits her unenviable position as one of the top nations with open defecation.

Few days ago, the  Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, decried that just about 25 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely managed sanitation facilities leaving over 45 million Nigerians still practice open defecation.

The Federal Ministry of Environment yesterday called for stronger sanitation efforts across the states at the inauguration of new smart public toilets at Orange Market, Mararaba, in Nasarawa state to mark the 2025 World Toilet Day

The Director-General of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA), Hon. Muhammad Isah, warmly welcomed dignitaries and partners to the 2025 World Toilet Day commemoration, expressing deep appreciation for the strong support the state has continued to receive toward improving sanitation and environmental health. 

Addressing the Governor of Nasarawa State, the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Commissioner of Environment, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment, and other distinguished officials and partners, the DG extended his gratitude for their presence and ongoing collaboration.

Isah said: “On behalf of our Authority, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor, for his strong support toward improving sanitation and environmental health in our state.”

He applauded the Federal Ministry of Environment for its continued partnership, noting that the provisioning of smart toilets being commissioned at the event, as well as an earlier air pollution monitoring facility, have contributed meaningfully to improving community well-being.

According to him, “our deep gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Environment and the entire staff of the Federal Ministry of Environment for their continued partnership. The provision of the Smart Toilets we commission today, as well as the air pollution monitoring facility earlier provided, are meaningful contributions that strengthen our work and improve the well-being of our communities.” The DG also highlighted new collaborative initiatives between NASWAMSA and the Ministry, particularly in waste-to-energy development and job creation. He noted that the Ministry requested ten locations for public toilets between Mararaba and Masaka, areas where sanitation facilities are urgently needed.

He explained that “NASWAMSA worked with Orange Market management to provide two suitable sites for modern public toilets. These are the facilities being commissioned today.” Hon. Isah further expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, describing her as “maman talakawar jahar Nasarawa,” for her consistent support of women’s engagement and youth initiatives in the state. He stated, “your dedication is having a significant impact, and both the government and the people of Nasarawa State are truly grateful for your contributions. Thank you for your commitment to improving our environment and community.” The DG reaffirmed NASWAMSA’s commitment to continued collaboration with partners in pursuit of a cleaner and healthier Nasarawa State,

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, described the new  Public Toilet Project  as a significant milestone in efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu Local Government Area. He  expressed appreciation to the ministry for selecting Karu as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.

He said: “It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on behalf of Government and the good people of Karu Local Government Area.”

He noted that the inauguration  marks “another significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu.”

Madaki emphasised that Orange Market, being one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Local Government, attracts thousands of traders, buyers, transporters, and visitors daily, which creates the urgent need for proper sanitation facilities to prevent pollution and disease outbreaks.

Describing the facility, he said: “This Public Toilet Project is therefore not just a building but it is an investment in public health, dignity, and environmental protection. It provides a safe, hygienic, and accessible facility for all market users, and supports our ongoing efforts toward a cleaner and a healthier Karu for everyone in line with the vision of His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.”

He outlined recent efforts of the Local Government Council toward improving sanitation, stating that “over the past months, we have intensified efforts to improve waste management in markets and across communities, strengthen environmental monitoring and compliance, support community-based sanitation initiatives, and promote health education and community awareness.” Madaki assured the Federal Ministry that Karu Local Government would ensure the facility is well managed, adding, “Karu Local Government Council will take full responsibility for the maintenance, security, and effective use of this facility.”

He urged traders and residents to safeguard the facility, saying: “This facility is yours. I urge you to take ownership of it. Let us use it properly, keep it clean, and protect it from vandalism.”

In his remarks, he expressed special appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Honorable Commissioner of Environment, the DG NASWAMSA and their staff “for the support and dedication to environmental sustainability nationwide,” and stated that Karu Local Government remains open to more partnerships aimed at uplifting the health, economic, and social wellbeing of the people.

As the ceremony concluded, the chairman reminded attendees that “development is meaningful only when it touches the lives of the people directly,” urging renewed commitment toward a cleaner society.

He added: “Together, let us continue to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier Karu for us and the future generation to come,” and ended with, “Thank you and may God bless us all. God bless Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

​