By Danhassan Abubakar
As the world marks World Toilet Day, the Mafita Women and Youth Development Initiative (MAWOYDI) has issued a strong call for urgent government and donor investment in safe and inclusive sanitation facilities across Nigeria.
MAWOYDI founder, Mrs. Therese Orude, said women, girls, and young people bear the brunt of poor sanitation, warning that millions remain exposed to disease, insecurity, and lost opportunities due to the absence of basic toilets in schools, markets, and public places.
Recent UNICEF figures show that 95 million Nigerians lack basic sanitation, while 48 million still practice open defecation — including 18 million children. The crisis is most visible in institutions: 70% of schools lack functional toilets, and 88% of health facilities operate without basic sanitation.
Mrs. Orude noted that inadequate toilets force schoolgirls to miss classes during menstruation and expose women in markets to risks of harassment and sexual assault. Young people, she added, suffer constant outbreaks of waterborne diseases that undermine learning and productivity.
Describing WASH services as both a public health and social justice issue, she urged governments, the private sector, and development partners to scale up investments in safe, accessible, and gender-sensitive sanitation systems.
“Sanitation is about health, dignity, and empowerment. When we provide toilets, we protect women, support youth, and strengthen communities,” she said.
MAWOYDI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable solutions and partnerships that ensure safer public spaces for all Nigerians.