FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – In a powerful push to eliminate open defecation and boost environmental hygiene, the Federal Government and Nasarawa State Government have joined forces to clean up communities and change sanitation behaviour.
Speaking during a sensitisation outreach at Lafia Modern Market and UngwarWajenLelle community, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal—represented by Mrs. Omotinde Adiola—emphasized the critical role of clean environments in preventing disease outbreaks.
“This initiative is about saving lives. A dirty environment is a deadly environment,” Lawal said, marking the 2025 National Environmental Sanitation Day.
The campaign, intensified at the request of Governor Abdullahi Sule, targets public awareness on toilet use, personal hygiene, and proper waste disposal—vital tools in the fight against cholera, malaria, and other preventable illnesses.
The federal team also called for more toilets in homes and public spaces, as Nigeria remains one of the global hotspots for open defecation.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment, Margret Elayo, affirmed the state’s commitment, noting plans to strengthen monthly sanitation enforcement and collaborate with the private sector on public toilet provision.
Local traditional leader, Alh. Baba Saidu, applauded the outreach and pledged to spread the message in his domain, while calling on the government to support the community with drainage infrastructure.
Signed
Ari, Liman Aminu.
Head of Centre,
FIC, LAFIA.
