Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday launched a national campaign against open defecation as part of efforts to curb the ugly trend and make Nigeria exit the number one position among countries practicing open defecation.
Speaking during the campaign tagged, ‘Clean Nigeria : Use the Toilet’, he said it was a show of the Federal Government’s commitment to improve living standard and quality of life.
He said access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH ) services were critical to national development because it was a major contributor to human capital outcome such as early childhood survival, health and education, that is why governments had consistently shown commitment to the development of the sector.
A World Bank report on the economic impact of open sanitation shows healthcare cost , infant mortality , loss of productivity and poor educational outcomes among others , Osinbajo added.
Also speaking, the chairman of Northern Governors ’ Forum, Simon Lalong , who represented the chairman of Nigeria Governors ’ Forum, said the state governors were committed to the campaign against open defecation and would commit funds and personnel in this regard .
