The Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, has urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to step up investment in sanitation infrastructure as the nation joins the global community to mark World Toilet Day 2025.
Speaking in Abuja, Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Dr. Abubakar Kende, praised the Federal Ministry of Environment for its collaboration and leadership on sanitation issues.
This year’s theme, “We’ll Always Need the Toilet,” Dr. Kende humorously underscores a serious message stating that no matter how the world changes, access to safe sanitation remains an essential human right.
He emphasized that the 2025 theme highlights the urgent need to expand safely managed sanitation in the face of rising global pressures including climate change, aging infrastructure, population growth, and widening inequality.
The Red Cross highlighted key challenges threatening sanitation systems nationwide which include
Climate stress, chronic undercapitalization, rapid population growth, social and behavioral barriers.
Dr. Kende noted that the NRCS, working with the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) Country Support Platform hosted within the IFRC, has partnered closely with the Ministry of Environment and other agencies to develop the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC).
The plan places sanitation and hygiene at its core, recognizing them as essential tools in preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera.
He reaffirmed the Red Cross’s commitment to supporting the National Cholera Plan, national sanitation strategies, and the activities marking the November 25 commemoration.
“As our world changes through innovation, migration, economic shifts, and climate uncertainties one reality remains unchanged: we will always need the toilet.
“We stand with the Government and partners in amplifying this message.”Dr. Kende said.
He congratulated the Minister of Environment, ministry staff, the inter-ministerial committee, development partners, and all Nigerians working to improve sanitation nationwide wishing the nation a meaningful and impactful World Toilet Day 2025.