WaterAid Project Improves Sanitation for 480,000 Nigerians

WaterAid has concluded a major project that brought improved sanitation to more than 480,000 Nigerians living in 1,283 communities. Supported by the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, the work reached its final milestone on September 30, 2026. The scale of the effort is reflected in the construction of more than 16,000 household toilets, over 4,600 of which meet the standards for safely managed sanitation. By providing these facilities alongside hygiene education, the initiative targeted deep-seated public health risks, including cholera outbreaks and the widespread practice of open defecation.

The project addresses a long-standing challenge in Nigeria, where a lack of proper facilities has made open defecation a persistent public health concern and a primary driver of disease. Rather than focusing solely on infrastructure, WaterAid combined construction with community engagement to encourage lasting behavioral changes. This outreach utilized mass media and digital communication to share hygiene advice with more than 900,000 people, emphasizing how consistent sanitation practices can prevent illness.

Implementation on the ground relied on close cooperation between local government authorities, community leaders, and private entrepreneurs. WaterAid offered training and mentorship to sanitation business owners, helping them set up local services that maintain and expand access. This model encouraged community ownership and provided new opportunities for women and young people to take on leadership roles as business owners within the sector. Throughout the process, the project highlighted how partnerships between government bodies and the private sector are essential for meeting large-scale sanitation targets.

The benefits of the initiative extend beyond health into the economic and social spheres. Improved access to toilets helps lower the rate of waterborne diseases, which in turn supports the general well-being of the community. At the same time, the growth of sanitation businesses provides a boost to local economies through job creation and steady income. These results align with Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6), the global target to ensure sustainable water and sanitation management for everyone by 2030, recognizing that these services are tied to progress in health, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

The success of this project offers a model for future sanitation work both within Nigeria and elsewhere. Sustaining these gains will require continued cooperation between governments, development partners, and local residents. As more local government areas are declared free of open defecation, there is an opportunity to scale these strategies and apply them in other regions. The experience gained during this initiative provides a foundation for future policies designed to bridge sanitation gaps and protect public health.