IN a move aimed at improving sanitation and protecting public health, the Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.
The legislation seeks to outlaw open defecation in public spaces while encouraging residents across the state to use proper toilet facilities as part of broader efforts to improve hygiene and environmental health.
The bill was adopted following deliberations on a report presented by the House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation.
The report was delivered by the committee’s chairman, Kingsley Ntui, who represents the Etung State Constituency.
While presenting the committee’s findings, Ntui highlighted the scale of the problem in Nigeria, noting that roughly 47 million people still practice open defecation.
He explained that the practice contributes to the spread of several water-borne diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid.
Ntui lauded the Cross River State Government for initiatives already underway to eliminate the practice and encouraged lawmakers to support similar efforts within their constituencies.
According to him, the government, working alongside organisations such as UNICEF and Self Help Africa, has made measurable progress, with eight local government areas already declared free of open defecation.
However, he pointed out that major obstacles remain, including insufficient sanitation infrastructure, inadequate access to clean water, poverty, and low public awareness.
He stressed that sustained investment and collective action are necessary to overcome these challenges and expand open-defecation-free communities across the state.
During the debate, several lawmakers expressed support for the bill, noting that it aligns with both national and global campaigns aimed at eliminating open defecation.
They also observed that the law would significantly improve environmental sanitation and contribute to better public health outcomes.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, commended the committee for its thorough work and welcomed the passage of the bill.
He said the new legislation would help foster a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.
Ayambem added that the Assembly remains committed to promoting the welfare of citizens through people-focused laws that strengthen sanitation standards and enhance public well-being.
