𝗖ross 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Cross River State has taken a significant step to improve sanitation by passing a law to ban open defecation in public places. The Open Defecation Prohibition Bill was approved by the state House of Assembly following months of public hearings, committee reviews, and input from stakeholders, marking a major effort to enhance environmental health and protect residents from sanitation-related diseases.

The legislation seeks to outlaw open defecation across the state while promoting the use of proper toilet facilities in homes, schools, markets, and other public spaces. It aligns with national and global efforts to eliminate open defecation and reduce outbreaks of water-borne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid, which are often linked to poor sanitation.

Kingsley Ntui, Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised the urgency of addressing the practice, noting that millions of Nigerians still engage in open defecation, contaminating water sources and increasing the risk of environmental pollution and disease transmission. While several local government areas in the state have already been declared open-defecation-free with support from development partners, Ntui stressed that further legislative backing was necessary to achieve lasting results.

The bill also encourages the construction and proper use of sanitation facilities. During public hearings, health professionals, community leaders, and sanitation experts highlighted the importance of coordinated action to improve access to clean water and hygiene infrastructure. They argued that better sanitation would reduce preventable diseases, protect water quality, and enhance community well-being.

Opponents of open defecation have long pointed to its harmful effects on public health and human dignity, noting that human waste often enters drainage systems, wells, and surface water during rains, spreading disease and undermining economic productivity, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.

Before its passage, the bill underwent thorough review and revision to ensure it would be effective and enforceable. Committees examined provisions defining prohibited behaviour, outlining responsibilities for providing sanitation facilities, and establishing mechanisms for enforcement. Input from the Cross River State Task Group on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene highlighted the need for clear guidelines that balance enforcement with practical support for communities lacking facilities.

The legislation also complements existing efforts by the Cross River State Government to strengthen public health outcomes through improved sanitation services. Eight local government areas in the state have been declared open-defecation-free, but challenges remain, including limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and poverty, which hinders household investment in proper toilets.

Once fully implemented, the law is expected to support Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, reinforce accountability, and drive behavioural change among residents and institutions. Authorities plan to expand access to facilities, conduct public awareness campaigns, and partner with NGOs and international bodies to improve sanitation.

Experts note that enforcement will require free or affordable access to toilets, investment in water supply systems, and targeted education campaigns, especially in underserved and rural areas where open defecation remains common.

The law also reflects Cross River’s commitment to national sanitation objectives and global development goals aimed at eliminating open defecation by 2030. Its effectiveness will likely be measured by reductions in disease incidence, improvements in water quality, and overall public health indicators over time.

Public health and sanitation advocates have praised the legislature’s action as a bold step toward environmental cleanliness and healthier living conditions and have encouraged other states to adopt similar measures to combat the challenges posed by open defecation.

📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews