In September 2025, I announced the Toilet Access Project (TAP) on my LinkedIn page. The goal of the project is twofold: to raise awareness about the urgent need to improve toilets and wider water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities across Nigeria’s public spaces, and to inspire stakeholders to take meaningful action to address an issue that continues to rob millions of dignity and hinder national development. Some reports now describe Nigeria as the open-defecation capital of the world – higher than India, China, and Brazil.

The need for TAP is clear. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation estimates that more than 48 million Nigerians (23% of the population) still practice open defecation. The consequences of this situation are dire. In 2024 alone, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reported 359 cholera-related deaths. This issue is not just about infrastructure; it affects health, safety, education, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Our goal is straightforward: to expand access to safe, clean, and dignified toilets in schools, markets, transport hubs, and underserved communities across Nigeria. We are calling for immediate practical action – building and renovating facilities now, while also advocating for the effective implementation of existing WASH policies and laws.

Over the past two months, we have distributed more than 1,200 physical letters to state and federal institutions, the private sector, and individuals, along with hundreds of emails seeking action on this issue. Our model is simple: we invite individuals and institutions to donate a toilet in any location of their choice, using their own contractors to ensure efficiency, transparency, and ownership.

To date, we have received six commitments (against an initial target of 20) from individuals. However, we have not yet received commitments from government agencies or private sector organizations. We believe they must be part of the solution.

As November 19, 2025 (World Toilet Day) approaches, we are making another big push to draw attention to this urgent issue and this is where you come in.

Here are ways you can help amplify this effort:

• Adopt or adapt the letter template to reach high-net-worth individuals, leaders, institutions, and policymakers.
  
• Use the cost template and minimum standards guide to support planning and construction.
  
• Refer to the National Roadmap for Making Nigeria Open Defecation Free by 2025 if you are speaking with policymakers or government officials.
  
• Join us on November 19 by posting a message on your social media platforms. We have developed a social media kit to support this effort.

The lack of adequate sanitation is not just a public health problem. It is an issue of dignity and development. Through TAP, we are mobilising individuals, communities, and institutions not only to donate, but to take direct action to ensure that no Nigerian is denied access to a safe and private toilet.

Thank you for helping to raise the profile of this important issue.