The chairman of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State has raised the alarm over the rising rate of open defecation, warning that an epidemic could break out if the practice continues.
Dr. Fred Okem said the situation has reversed gains made since 2018, when Yala became one of the first LGAs in Nigeria to attain open defecation-free status. He disclosed that nearly 90 percent of residents now defecate in the open, leading to a surge in waterborne diseases.
Speaking while presenting the state’s Open Defecation Law to councillors for adoption as a by-law, Okem said homes without toilets would face legal action after a six-month grace period.
“Yala was one of the first local government areas in the country to attain open defecation free status since 2018. But things have gone backwards, and even worse with virtually 90% of the people here defecating in the open,” he said.
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The council is partnering with the Toilet Pride Initiative to provide affordable toilet facilities and loans through a partner bank. Okem said every home, market, and school must have a toilet to stop the spread of diseases like cholera and guinea worm linked to human waste.
General Manager of the Cross River State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, Sunday Ebeku, said Governor Bassey Otu has signed the law to improve sanitation and public health. He warned that people defecating near rivers contaminate water sources used for drinking.
Yala and Makoda in Kano are the two LGAs where the Toilet Pride Initiative is piloting the program.
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