On June 9, 2024, the Lagos State government declared a cholera outbreak after recording over 300 suspected cases and 15 deaths. Two weeks later, on June 24, the federal government activated the Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in response to a surge in cases. By this time, Nigeria had recorded 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths. As of July 15, the number of suspected cases had escalated to over 3,600, with 103 deaths reported. Amid this public health crisis, Nguvu Change Leader Jennifer Akatu, a passionate advocate for community health and environmental sanitation, believes the outbreak’s impact could have been mitigated by addressing improper waste disposal.
Nguvu Change Leader Jennifer Akatu believes the cholera outbreak might have been less devastating if the country had addressed its waste disposal problem. Jennifer, a member of the Nguvu Change Collective, is passionate about raising awareness in her community and, through that, effecting lasting change. On June 1, before the cholera outbreak, she wrote a petition asking the authorities to clean up Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. In her petition, she warned that the poor sanitary conditions endemic in many of the nation’s states could lead to an outbreak of cholera and other diseases.
In this interview with Jubril Tobi Oguntola, Jennifer discusses her proactive efforts to address waste disposal issues in Abuja and her vision for a cleaner, healthier Nigeria.
Interview with Jennifer Akatu:
What motivated you to start the petition to end improper waste disposal practices in Abuja?
I started this petition because improper waste disposal is severely affecting my community. The pervasive stench and open defecation at dump sites are unbearable. Even worse, they increase the potential for disease outbreaks among the populace. Additionally, the accumulation of garbage in public areas attracts disease-carrying insects and rodents, while blocked drainage systems cause flooding during heavy rains. Both of these worsen unsanitary conditions and threaten the health and well-being of Nigerians. I believe everyone deserves to live in a clean and healthy environment, and immediate action is needed to address this concern. Hence, my decision to start the petition.
What do you think is the root cause of improper waste disposal practices?
I have found that many people are unaware of the environmental and health risks associated with littering and illegal dumping, while some people have a nonchalant attitude toward proper waste disposal. Because of this, I believe that negligence and a lack of understanding are two of the biggest factors that lead to these harmful practices. There is also a lack of adequate waste management facilities, such as recycling centers and composting programs, which worsens the problem, making it difficult for people to dispose of waste properly.
What role do you think education and awareness play in improving waste disposal habits among the public?
Education and awareness are crucial in addressing improper waste disposal in Nigeria and fostering long-term behavioral change. Currently, there is a significant lack of awareness about proper waste management. Yet, it is important that people understand the dangers and consequences of poor waste management; otherwise, nothing will change. Through educational campaigns, workshops, and school programs, we can teach people about different types of waste, their hazards, and proper disposal methods. Consequently, we can encourage responsible waste disposal and sustainable practices and empower people to make better choices.
How significant do you believe improper waste disposal practices have been in the recent cholera outbreak?
It is my opinion that improper waste disposal practices have significantly contributed to the recent cholera outbreak in Nigeria. Contaminated water sources due to inadequate waste management have facilitated the spread of Vibrio cholerae bacteria, leading to increased cholera cases across various communities.
Beyond cholera, what other diseases do people risk with improper waste disposal practices?
Improper waste disposal practices can lead to numerous diseases apart from cholera. They can cause typhoid fever, dysentery, hepatitis A, respiratory infections, skin infections, and vector-borne illnesses like malaria.
What measures do you think FCT authorities can adopt to address improper waste disposal practices in the short and long term?
FCT authorities can organize community clean-up events with locals and businesses to improve cleanliness. They can also bring back mandatory Saturday sanitation and set up temporary waste drop-off points to prevent littering in busy areas and ensure timely waste removal. As a deterrent to would-be defaulters, they can implement tougher fines for illegal dumping.
Without the cooperation of Abuja citizens, any campaign to end improper waste disposal practices is doomed to fail. How do you suggest the authorities ensure the cooperation of Abuja citizens toward this goal?
Community engagement is essential for effective solutions to improper waste disposal issues, as each area has unique needs. I believe it is important for the authorities to adopt a human-centered approach, which will involve understanding community perspectives. It is equally important for the government to ensure consistent enforcement of waste disposal regulations with visible consequences for offenders, along with monitoring systems to ensure compliance. Finally, the government must invest in accessible waste collection points, recycling facilities, and sanitation services to ensure sustainable waste management.
Can you share what you’ve found to be the major challenges to raising awareness about improper waste disposal practices?
One major challenge is that many Nigerians don’t think a campaign is necessary for the sanitation of their environment. Many people erroneously believe that once their houses are clean and they are neat, they are safe. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, as living in a dirty environment can also put them at risk.
What immediate actions do you recommend residents take to help prevent the spread of cholera and other diseases linked to poor sanitation?
People should endeavor to excavate dump sites that are near their living spaces and businesses. They should also engage waste removal companies and ensure the timely removal of waste from their communities. I also believe that people should take responsibility for their environment by encouraging fellow citizens to avoid dumping refuse in drainages before or during the rains. Anybody found defaulting should be punished.
Jennifer Akatu’s commitment to improving waste disposal practices highlights the critical link between environmental sanitation and public health. Her proactive stance and community engagement serve as a model for addressing systemic issues that contribute to disease outbreaks. As Nigeria grapples with the current cholera crisis, Jennifer’s insights and initiatives underscore the importance of sustainable waste management and public education in preventing future health emergencies. Through her efforts and the support of dedicated individuals and authorities, there is hope for a cleaner, healthier future for all Nigerians. Sign the petition.
Nguvu Collective is an ecosystem for builders and facilitators of social change. Nguvu is the Swahili word for ‘Power’. The name–Nguvu (Power) Collective–is drawn from the core belief of a Change Leader’s capacity for driving change. Jennifer Akatu is a Nguvu Change Leader.
Jubril Tobi Oguntola is a writer and journalist based in Nigeria, specializing in technology, finance, and business with a particular focus on African developments. He curates a daily newsletter for Africa.com, reaching a global audience. Through his work, Tobi aims to inform and engage readers on key issues shaping the continent’s future.