Environmental Cleanliness in Nigeria: Key Findings from the 2024
The recently released State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) report highlights that approximately 179 million Nigerians continue to live in unclean environments. While this marks a slight improvement compared to the 183 million recorded in 2023, it underscores the ongoing environmental challenges in the country.
The report, issued by Mr. Ene Owoh, National Coordinator of Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), provides insights into the nation’s environmental health and emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies that engage governments at all levels and citizens alike.
“The 2024 zonal rating offers significant insights and is poised to improve Nigeria’s national cleanliness index rating,” Owoh remarked.
Mixed Progress in Sanitation Efforts
The report revealed both progress and setbacks in Nigeria’s sanitation landscape:
- Open defecation rates improved slightly, dropping from 24% in 2023 to 20% in 2024.
- Waste recycling efforts, however, experienced a decline, falling from 26% in 2023 to 19% in 2024, attributed to the rising poverty levels.
“Nigeria’s sanitation status is both promising and challenging,” Owoh explained, stressing the importance of environmental cleanliness and sustainable waste management for long-term improvement.
States Setting the Standard in Hygiene
The findings highlighted that only seven states demonstrated commendable hygiene and sanitation practices. Leading the charge were Akwa Ibom and Abuja, ranked as the cleanest states in Nigeria by the annual Cleanliness Performance Index.
- Akwa Ibom stood out for its investment in advanced waste management equipment and public sanitation initiatives, serving as a model for other states.
- The index emphasizes that regional approaches, tailored to specific environmental challenges, foster improved local outcomes and collaboration between states.
“The zonal approach encourages interstate partnerships, enabling states to tackle unique challenges while working towards a cleaner and more sustainable Nigeria,” Owoh noted.
Zonal Champions for 2024
The report also recognized six states as zonal cleanest state champions for 2024 based on their exceptional performance:
- South-South: Akwa Ibom
- South-East: Enugu
- South-West: Lagos
- North-Central: Plateau
- North-East: Borno
- North-West: Kaduna
Each champion received the STONE Green Crystal Award, highlighting their achievements in environmental sustainability.
Healthy Competition for a Cleaner Nation
Backed by six years of comprehensive data analysis (2018–2023), the zonal rating system fosters healthy competition and encourages states to adopt effective environmental strategies. By benchmarking performances and sharing best practices, this approach aims to:
- Enhance environmental cleanliness across all zones.
- Inspire citizens to take greater responsibility for their surroundings.
- Drive targeted interventions for sustainable development.
Owoh concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous improvement:
“The zonal ratings create a blueprint for addressing weaknesses and leveraging strengths, ensuring a cleaner and healthier Nigeria for all.”
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