The monthly environmental sanitation exercise held in most states in Nigeria was carried out on Saturday, June 25^th 2016. This compulsory exercise, which is a directive by the federal government, is aimed at encouraging environmental cleanliness in the country. In some states such as Anambra, Lagos amongst others, the exercise was done with a slightly encouraging number of turn outs. However in most states there was low turn outs for the exercise.

Over the years, environmental sanitation in the country has been relegated to the background and is fast turning into a monthly ?ritual? which is characterized by low compliance both on the part of citizens and the sanitation officials . Though the exercise was introduced about a decade ago by the military government, nothing appreciable can be shown for it till date. This is evident in the deplorable state of sanitation in the country today.

The poor sanitation condition of most states in Nigeria can be attributed to the nonchalance of some persons towards environmental issues coupled with low political will and commitment of the government. There is also the challenge of weak and ineffective government policies which has resulted in lapses in role definition as regards responsibility for environmental matters and failure in implementation of environmental laws.

Last year, the federal government reviewed the national environmental sanitation policy with the view of complying with best practices and harmonizing grey areas that are of concern to stakeholders. Although the policy review is a step in the right direction, implementation has to be devoid of sentiments and unnecessary bureaucracies for it to have reasonable impact in the society.

In order to improve the sanitation state in the country, individuals should see environmental sanitation as a way of life. There is the need for increased environmentally consciousness on a daily basis. Also, government at all levels should take environmental matters as issues of national interest.

REFERENCES

The Guardian (2015).Reviewing environmental sanitation policy. May 12^th. Accessed from: http://www.guardian.ng

Uduauk, K. (2016). The culture of restoring environmental sanitation. January 21^th. Accessed from http://www.nigerianobservernews.com

PHOTO CREDITS

http://www.nigerianobservernews.com