Nigerian Engineers Urge Government to Provide Movable Toilet Facilities in Markets to Address Open Defecation | Cliptv Online

By Abraham Adaranijo

The Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) has called on the Nigerian government to provide movable toilet facilities in the nation’s markets as a measure to combat open defecation and improve environmental hygiene.

This appeal was made during the Memorial Lecture of the NIEE, held in honor of the late Engr. Chief Samuel Fadahunsi at the Dover Hotel, Aromire Ikeja. The guest speaker, Engr. Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, emphasized the importance of addressing open defecation issues and suggested that stakeholders and engineers could collaborate with the government to install movable toilet facilities in markets across Nigeria.

Engr. Oguntala’s lecture, titled ‘Strategic Implementation of Wash Policy Towards A Sustainable Environment,’ highlighted the need to promote a hygienic environment. She stressed that inadequate personal hygiene and environmental sanitation could lead to health issues, emphasizing the importance of Clean Water, Environmental Sanitation, and proper waste disposal to enhance public health.

The NIEE praised the Lagos State government for its sanitation efforts and encouraged more awareness campaigns across Nigerian states. Engr. Odukoya SESAN MOSES, the National Chairman of NIEE, revealed that 19 fellows of engineers were awarded to address community development issues effectively.

Engr. Moses expressed concerns about the lack of modern toilet facilities in many Nigerian schools, churches, and mosques, calling for engineers to collaborate with the government and stakeholders to address this infrastructure gap. He noted that no Nigerian state had 20 percent of new modern toilet facilities, highlighting the need for significant improvements in the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector.

The event included a tribute to the late Engr. Chief Samuel Fadahunsi, recognizing his contributions to the development of water dams and infrastructure in the western region. Engr. Fadahunsi was also credited with the development of Festac and Amuwo Odofin.

Engr. AbdulHafiz Gbolahan Toriola, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, received a recognition award for his contributions, alongside other Lagos engineers.

Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe, Chairman of NIEE Lagos Chapter, commended engineers in the Lagos State public service for their infrastructure development efforts and urged a swift implementation of WASH policies in Lagos to set an example for the nation.

Engr. Bola Olowe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, encouraged engineers to participate in the upcoming Luncheon program in Abuja on September 13, 2023.

Hon. Saminu Rilwan Gbadamosi, Ranking Member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, praised the legacy of the late Engr. Fadahunsi and urged engineers to strive for a lasting impact in their professions.

The NIEE’s call for improved sanitation infrastructure and hygiene measures in Nigeria’s markets aims to address open defecation challenges and promote public health and environmental sustainability.