A member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Kingsley Ntui, has called for urgent and decisive action to address the persistent practice of open defecation in the state, warning that it poses serious public health and environmental risks.
Ntui, who represents Etung State Constituency, spoke during an interview with journalists in Calabar, citing dangers such as water contamination and the spread of preventable diseases.
His remarks followed a public hearing on the Open Defecation Prohibition Bill held at the Assemblyās Mini Hall, as part of efforts to strengthen sanitation laws in the state.
The lawmaker advocated strict sanctions against individuals who defecate in ravines, uncompleted buildings and drainages, stressing that enforcement is key to behavioural change.
Ntui noted that although the Federal Government targets the elimination of open defecation nationwide by 2025, progress has remained slow across many states.
He said the proposed legislation aligns with ongoing interventions by organisations such as WaterAid Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Environment and other partners promoting sanitation and hygiene.
Citing data from Self Help Africa, SHA, Ntui said about 41 per cent of Cross River Stateās population still practises open defecation, while access to basic Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, services remains low ā with only eight per cent of schools, 0.4 per cent of healthcare facilities and six per cent of public places adequately covered.
The Open Defecation Prohibition Bill, he explained, seeks to provide a clear legal framework for enforcing sanitation standards, complement existing WASH policies and eliminate the practice in the state by 2030.
Also speaking, SHA representative, Mr Ferdinand Anok, underscored the urgency of passing the bill, noting that major gaps remain in achieving relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
Stakeholders at the public hearing expressed optimism that, if passed and effectively implemented, the bill would strengthen accountability, protect public health and dignity, and position Cross River State as a model in the fight against open defecation.
Lawmaker calls for urgent action to end open defecation in Cross River
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