The Minister of Water Resources, Alh. Suleiman Adamu during the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum, on Sunday in Abuja, urged state governments to enact laws banning open defecation in the country.
He said the ban would promote proper use of toilets, end the unhealthy practice across the country, adding that offenders would be fined, according to NAN.
While he disclosed that an Action Plan aimed at ending open defecation by 2025 was in the works, he lamented over Nigeria being ranked the 2nd largest country after India with 66 million people practicing open defecation.
Suleiman further said state Governments should take a cue from advanced countries by including public toilets facilities in their public buildings, so as to enable the possible eradication of the unhealthy practice.
According to the minister, the campaign to end open defecation which is championed by the wife of the president will commence awareness to mobilise the country against the practice.
He reiterated that the ministry would continuously promote water and sanitation enterprises to encourage toilet business investments by the private sector.
