BY Khalid Idris Doya
Open defecation is a global phenomenon, particularly prevalent in third-world countries such as Nigeria, where people often defecate openly, posing significant health hazards to their communities through the spread of airborne and communicable diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. This issue is being addressed by concerned countries, governments, and authorities, including development partners, donors, civil society organizations, and environmentalists.
"A ward head in a Bauchi community believes that open defecation is another way of transmitting diseases within the community."
Bauchi Local Government Area, one
of the largest in both the state and the entire country, was declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) and national and local agencies, civil society organizations, in collaboration with and supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
One of the stakeholders in the resolve against open defecation and the substantive District Head of Miri in Bauchi metropolis, Alh. Hussaini Abubakar Othman, who also holds the traditional title of Dan Jikan Bauchi, commented on the ODP cases, saying, "When the agenda to make Bauchi LGA defecation-free came to the fore, we welcomed the idea and swung into action on environmental sanitation and safety." Dan-Jikan Bauchi added, "I don't think there are effective ways or channels of communication to the general public besides the structures of traditional institutions or rulers in Africa."
District Head of Miri in Bauchi metropolis, Alh. Hussaini Abubakar Othman,
Miri explained that hamlet and ward heads visit communities to caution people about the dangers of open defecation, particularly during rainy seasons when flowing water can contaminate wells and ponds used for drinking water. He attributed the Bauchi Local Government's achievement of Open Defecation Free status to these methods, as well as the respect people have for traditional leaders who have succeeded their forefathers in leadership positions.
Alh. Hussaini Othman noted that sustaining the ODF status in Bauchi LGA involves continuing to admonish people through clerics at mosques and churches, who are already actively engaged in this effort. Additionally, people are shifting towards using water-based toilet systems instead of pit latrines. However, Othman expressed concern over the attitudes of some individuals who believe defecating outside is against their superstitious beliefs. Despite this, traditional leaders are using persuasive messages to convince these individuals under a purposeful leadership.
A Fulani ward head, Muhammad Dauda, of Rugar Fulanin Kaba in Zungur district, Bauchi Local Government Area, said they inherited the area from their forefathers, who settled there about 270 years ago. The village, with approximately 2,000 inhabitants, lacks medical facilities and a motorable road to convey sick persons or deliver pregnant women to a health facility in Liman Katagum town. Regrettably, three pregnant women recently delivered on their way to a health facility.
A Fulani ward head, Muhammad Dauda, of Rugar Fulanin Kaba in Zungur district, Bauchi Local Government Area,
He, however, stated that they have a primary school and four boreholes that provide water for both human and animal consumption. Malam Muhammad Dauda explained that, following a directive from the Bauchi emirate council, they constructed latrine pits in individual homes to curb open defecation. They also constructed a pit for pupils of their primary school.
Hannatu Musa, a women leader, recalled increasing pit latrines in their compound from two to four after sensitization against open defecation. Auwalu Musa, a vibrant youth and WASH voluntary association member, emphasized the importance of educating villagers about open defecation and promoting environmental cleanliness.
Alh. Ibrahim Kabo Umar, chairman of the Bauchi Local Government Association of Toilet Owners & Operators, urged the public to adhere strictly to the norms and ethics established by the Bauchi state government. He expressed delight that the Bauchi Local Government Council has achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, citing the growing interest in toilet operation among Bauchi entrepreneurs. "We welcome anyone willing to join the business," he said.
Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) played a crucial role in achieving ODF status for the Bauchi Local Government Area. Mohammed Ahmed Bose, BASEPA's Director-General, described the journey as long but successful. He explained that BASEPA is working closely with Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) to sensitize communities and promote sanitation. Bose acknowledged challenges in addressing human attitudes, emphasizing the need for extensive sensitization and advocacy.
The Bauchi government's efforts aim to sustain ODF status not only in the Bauchi Local Government Area but also in other local government areas. With stakeholders' commitment, Bose is optimistic about achieving sustainability.
Safety is a top priority, and occupational hazards are a significant concern. We're working closely with key actors and practitioners to educate them on safety procedures, which are part of our guidelines.
The issue of sensitization and enlightenment is crucial. We believe it's a collective responsibility, involving BASEPA, the media, and civil society organizations. We need more hands on deck to engage with people and promote public enlightenment.
Our approach involves rigorous sensitization, working closely with community leaders, traditional and religious leaders. We also have a mobile court to prosecute individuals who refuse to adhere to laid-down procedures. This is necessary due to human attitudes, and the mobile court serves as a deterrent.
We've allocated N200 million in our 2025 budget for public toilet construction, focusing on menstrual health and hygiene. This initiative ensures the safety and dignity of women and children. We're working with government agencies, SUBEB, and market unions to provide sanitary facilities in public places.
In terms of policy, we require adequate toilet facilities in public plazas. We're working with the state development board to ensure compliance. Our goal is to provide enough facilities to cater to the needs of the people.
We're optimistic about achieving our objectives, thanks to the support of His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. We're committed to putting measures in place to ensure sufficient facilities for our people.
BASEPA has been a key stakeholder in faecal sludge management, recognizing that attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status is insufficient without addressing this critical issue.
The Bauchi Local Government Area's ODF status is compromised by inadequate faecal sludge management. BASEPA regulates this issue through stakeholder mapping and capacity building for manual and mechanized treatment operators.
Guidelines and Implementation
With UNICEF support, BASEPA developed faecal sludge management guidelines, further refined by an international consultant to ensure climate resilience and sustainability.
Bauchi state now prioritizes climate resilience in its faecal sludge management implementation strategy. BASEPA engages stakeholders, promotes private sector investment and establishes user-friendly toilet facilities to ensure ODF sustainability.
BASEPA collaborates with WaterAid Nigeria's Accelerator Project, commissioning user centres for friendly toilets. The agency aims to reduce government burden, promoting private sector investment for sustainable ODF achievements.
The partnership between BASEPA and UNICEF is strong, with UNICEF sponsoring the validation of our document on faecal sludge management guidelines. BASEPA developed the guidelines, and UNICEF supported stakeholder engagement, ensuring the guidelines are participatory. This approach involves religious and traditional leaders to promote inclusivity.
UNICEF's support extends beyond development to implementation. They have helped create an implementation strategy for faecal sludge management in the state. This collaborative effort aims to ensure sustainability.
Bauchi Local Government Council Chairman Alhaji Mahmood Baba Maaji assured that the council will do everything possible to sustain the recently attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Before the sustainability aspect, the local government underwent validation, pulling together existing structures.
The validation process began before Maaji's tenure, but he ensured continuity. He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the certification and acknowledged the efforts of Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, whose commitment to the health sector enabled the local government's active participation.
Maaji emphasized the importance of improving the WASH Unit's funding, citing logistical challenges. He also highlighted the need for a sustainability framework, adopting strategies for short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans.
The ODF initiative began during Maaji's first tenure as chairman, addressing challenges with open defecation. He praised the governor's commitment to the health sector, which enabled the local government's active participation in improving public health.
Bauchi Local Government Council Chairman Alhaji Mahmood Baba Maaji emphasized the importance of addressing open defecation challenges. "It was embarrassing for our local government to be declared one of the worst affected," he said.
To combat this, the council prioritized its WASH unit, identifying public areas with sanitation challenges. They adopted a model to conscientize and sensitize residents about health risks.
Awareness creation helped significantly, as people took ownership of monitoring and supervision. The council partnered with UNICEF, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
To sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, the council adopted punishment strategies for offenders and collaborated with donor agencies. They also distributed needs assessment forms to councillors.
The council will implement the faecal sludge management strategy, particularly the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund project anchored by WaterAid Nigeria. This aims to accelerate inclusive sanitation and hygiene economies in Nigeria.
Bauchi Local Government Council Chairman Mahmud Baba Maaji commended UNICEF for its impactful interventions, which contributed significantly to the local government's attainment of Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status. Over the years, UNICEF has provided training, capacity building, and technical support for improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services.
Maaji appealed to residents to take WASH seriously, emphasizing that it's the only way to curb waterborne diseases. UNICEF stressed that effective faecal sludge management can address open defecation in communities.
Abdulsalam Abdullahi Mohammed, WASH Facilitator supporting UNICEF, observed that creating wealth from human waste can lead to ODF status in remaining local government areas. "Creating wealth from waste and private sector participation will solve the problem," he explained. Mohammed noted that companies from Abuja are collaborating with private sectors to establish farms using organic fertilizer.
UNICEF's next move is an innovative sanitation drive, aiming to replicate successful approaches and improve affordable, safely managed sanitation. Mohammed commended Governor Bala Mohammed's administration for proactive efforts in achieving ODF status . Nanbam Michael Dawap, UNICEF's Water and Sanitation Officer, emphasized that community-led total sanitation approaches have been effective in Bauchi state, highlighting the importance of safely managed sanitation for women's dignity and safety.
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