The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Suomi Sakai, has advocated the construction of more toilets in the country to check problems associated with open defecation.

Sakai told our correspondent in Lagos that it was imperative for landlords and property owners to make provision for toilets, to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.

“Available statistics have shown that Nigeria is not doing well in checking open defecation. People still defecate freely in unauthorised places.

“Although, the number of toilets is growing due to population growth, but the coverage is actually dropping in parts of the country,’’ she said.

The UNICEF boss said research had revealed that run-off water, especially during raining season, often contaminated ground water with human waste.

Sakai said the provision of toilets should be given a priority across the country to keep the environment clean and reduce the spread of diseases.

“It is important that people have toilets in their houses and imbibe the culture of washing their hands after using the toilets, before preparing food and eating.

“This way, there would be a drastic reduction in the spread of diseases,’’ she said.

Sakai said UNICEF had been working with Nigeria communities in carrying out community-led total sanitation.

She said though some communities had declared their environment open defecation-free many more still engaged in the act.

Sakai said that the fund would continue to support government at all levels in ensuring children and women’s survival across the country.