The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have made it known that only three out of the 21 local government areas (LGAs) in Anambra State are free from open defecation.
A study by UNICEF revealed that 3% of the population in Anambra still practices open defecation, making it the second-highest rate among the five South-East states under the Enugu Field Office. Abia State recorded the lowest rate at 2%.
The LGAs—Aguata, Anambra East, and Nnewi North—hold this distinction, with Aguata and Anambra East classified as semi-urban, while Nnewi North is urban.
During a media briefing to mark World Toilet Day, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) specialist at the Enugu Field Office, Mrs. Rebecca Gabriel, emphasized that the three ODF-certified LGAs risk losing their status if they fail to maintain required standards. Conversely, she noted that other LGAs could achieve ODF certification with dedicated efforts.
Mr. Olusoji Akinleye, Officer in Charge of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, said …
“Toilets are central to our lives—they represent peace, protection, and health. When toilets are inadequate or broken, pollution spreads, leading to deadly diseases,”
UNICEF called for increased government commitment, private sector involvement, and active community engagement to tackle open defecation and ensure healthier communities.
UNICEF said funding shortfalls is a barrier to progress. And the Annual investment of ₦168 billion is needed nationwide to achieve ODF status, only ₦15 billion was allocated between 2018 and 2022.
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