Jahun Local Government council in Jigawa State has imposed N2,000 fine on anybody caught defecating openly across the Local Government Area.
The Local Government chairman, Alhaji Magaji Inuwa disclosed this on sensitization campaign organised for traditional rulers.
He said the meeting was aimed at sensitizing traditional rulers on how best they can communicate to their masses on the danger of defecating openly.
This follows the selection of three additional Local Governments by UNICEF for Open Defecation Free Programme in Jigawa State including; Taura, Guri and Jahun Local Governments.
The local Government chairman explained that the Local Governments are taking measures to ensure proper compliance of free open defecation environment.
He said part of the action taken include a fine of N2,000 for anybody arrested defecating openly.
Inuwa, however, commended traditional rulers for making effort to ensure that people provide toilets in their houses.
According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF’s joint monitoring report, about 47 million people practice open defecation in Nigeria.
“The practice is causing health risks, linked to deaths from diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid. It is also a risk factor for violence against women and girls”.
