WORLD TOILET DAY: FG, NASARAWA GOVT COMMISSION SMART TOILET FACILITY IN MARARABA'S ORANGE MARKET

"The World Toilet Day highlights the critical need for proper sanitation systems and draws global attention to the plight of billions lacking access to safe toilets." Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Honourable Minister of Environment.

The Federal Ministry of Environment, on behalf of the Federal Government alongside the sub-national government in Nasarawara State, commissioned a state-of-the-art Smart Toilet Facility in the bustling Mararaba’s Orange Market.

The commissioning of the toilet facility for use by traders and visitors alike, is in commemoration of the World Toilet Day usually celebrated on the November 19 of every year. This year's event took place on Thursday 27 November 2025. It highlights the critical need for proper sanitation systems and draws global attention to the plight of billions lacking access to safe toilets.

Mahmud Kambari
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment

Nigeria's Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, during the commissioning which had in attendance, the Nasarawa state Governor, Engr A. A Sule, ably represented by the State Commissioner of Environment, stressed that "approximately 4.5 billion people worldwide lack safely managed sanitation systems, while 892 million people still practice open defecation.

“This situation contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid,” he said.

The Minister represented by Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment emphasized that access to a safe and clean toilet is a fundamental human right, essential for protecting public health and the environment.

He noted that the theme for this year’s World Toilet Day, “Sanitation in a Changing World,” underscores the importance of adapting sanitation practices to address evolving environmental, social, and public health challenges.

Margaret Elayo
Commissioner of Environment Nasarawa state 

The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, represented by Mrs. Margaret Elayo, the State Commissioner of Environment, stressed that a toilet is not a luxury but a necessity.

Gov. Sule therefore appealed to the traders and residents of the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure that it's properly maintained.

The event also had in attendance several stakeholders, including Dr. Stephen Ohize, Regional Coordinator of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control Country Support Platform (GTFCC) and the International Federation of the Red Cross.

Dr. Ohize highlighted the importance of safe, dignified, and adequate sanitation in preventing cholera and other waterborne diseases.

The Smart Toilet Facility is a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Environment, Bhustan Energy and Environmental Services Ltd, and Rural Women Energy Security, targeting traders, transport workers, and market users to promote proper sanitation, hygiene, and waste disposal practices.