EXPERT ADVOCATES FOR PROPER SEWAGE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT, AS IT IMPACT THE ENVIRONMENT.

 Human waste, such as sewage and wastewater, if not properly managed, can have severe environmental consequences. However, many rural communities lack access to toilets and opt for open defecation. 

Akomaye Peters, environmentalist in an interview  with PebNews emphasized the need for proper waste management, stating, "So that is of very special concern to us to try to bridge that gap that existed in the proper management and treatment of wastewater, including silages and sewage." 

He explained that open defecation in Nigeria is a significant problem, with many communities lacking access to proper waste disposal facilities.

 According to UNICEF statistics, approximately 50 million Nigerians do not have access to toilets and opt for open defecation. 

The expert noted that more than 98% of sewage and waste material evacuated from residences are indiscriminately dumped, leading to contamination and water pollution. This has resulted in persistent health issues, such as typhoid fever.

 UNICEF also reported that about 2.5 million people do not have access to toilets that protect them and their communities against contact with human waste, posing a threat to their health and dignity.

 Akomay Peters advised that the National Orientation Agency should help raise awareness among Nigerians.

 Furthermore, he stressed the importance of incorporating total project management, stating, "If you are doing a project and you know you are not going to maintain it, there is no need doing the project." 

He also stressed the need for proper perspective on managing waste from the point of source to the point of final discharge, ensuring environmental sustainability and efficient sanitation.