As civil society representatives, we are deeply concerned that eleven months after the President declared a state of emergency in Nigeria’s WASH sector, more than half of Nigeria’s 190 million population still lack safe sanitation and safe drinking water. Also disturbing is the fact that Nigeria is now the open defecation capital of the world, with only 13 of 774 local government areas certified to be open defecation free.
 
On the official launch of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign to mark World Toilet Day, we call on all state governments to:

• declare a state of emergency in their respective WASH sector
• align with the federal government’s revitalisation plan and ODF Road Map to end open defecation in their states.

The human right to sanitation entitles everyone to have access to toilets in all spheres of life that are safe, affordable, hygienic, secure, socially and culturally acceptable, and that provide privacy and ensure dignity. In addition, international law obliges the Nigerian government to guarantee this right to water and sanitation equally and without discrimination.

Therefore, we also call on the federal government of Nigeria to recognise and enshrine the human rights to safe sanitation and drinking water in the National Water Resources Bill that is being reviewed by the National Assembly, while accelerating efforts to implement Nigeria’s obligations under international law. This would ensure that the gains made by the ‘Clean Nigeria’ campaign are sustainable and also secure access for future generations.

To sign this statement, please complete the form below. The deadline for signatures is 18 November. Once signatures are collected, we will present this statement to the federal government and state governors at the official launch of the "Clean Nigeria" campaign in Abuja on 19th November 2019.