How Toilet Waste Could Boost Gombe’s Economy

By; HAJO USMAN

Gombe State, like many parts of Nigeria, faces serious challenges in sanitation. A large number of people still practise open defecation.

According to experts, defecating in the open exposes communities to diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid, especially during the rainy season when waste mixes with drinking water sources.

To address this issue, the Federal Government launched the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign, which aims to make Nigeria Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2025.

In support of this goal, organisations like UNICEF have partnered with state agencies such as RUWASSA to provide toilets in rural communities and raise awareness about proper hygiene.

However, experts say building toilets alone is not enough. When toilets become full, there must be a safe and effective way to remove and treat the waste. This is where Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) becomes vital. FSM is the process of collecting, transporting, treating, and safely reusing or disposing of human waste from toilets.

Despite progress made with the help of development partners, no local government area in Gombe State has yet been declared open defecation free. Key challenges remain—especially around behavioural change, strong leadership, and investment in FSM infrastructure.

It was against this backdrop that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), organised an awareness campaign on FSM.

Around the world, some countries are already turning faecal sludge into useful products—such as fertiliser for farms, biogas for cooking, and energy for homes. These “waste-to-wealth” strategies are now being explored in Nigeria, and Gombe State is beginning to consider these opportunities as a way to improve public health and create jobs, especially for unemployed youths.

While making his presentation at the awareness campaign, Professor Wilson Danbature, from the Department of Chemical Sciences at Gombe State University and one of the dialogue facilitators, urged the state government, stakeholders, and investors to tap into the value chain within FSM.

Prof. Danbature explained that FSM, if properly harnessed, has the potential to create many jobs across the sanitation value chain,from waste collection and treatment plant operations to resource recovery and reuse.

He noted that with the growing population and ongoing campaign against open defecation, a large number of toilets now depend on on-site systems like pit latrines and septic tanks. Therefore, FSM is crucial not only for protecting public health and the environment but also for boosting economic opportunities.

“With stakeholders establishing faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs), it would improve public health, sanitation, increase state revenue, and create employment for young people,” he said.

Dr Umar Kwami Waste Manager at the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), also a focal person Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) raised concerns about the dangers of open defecation.

He said the practice is often linked to poor toilet infrastructure, poverty, and cultural habits, warned that open defecation harms children’s health, causes diseases, and leads to environmental pollution.

Dr Kwami also highlighted the value in treating human waste properly. He said that when handled correctly, faecal sludge can be transformed into useful products like biogas, compost, and organic fertiliser,helping to grow eco-friendly businesses, create jobs, and reduce unemployment across the state.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, Mohammed Fawu, Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, said Gombe has developed innovative plans to turn faecal sludge management into a tool for wealth creation and environmental protection.

Represented by Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq Director Water Resources , explained that the government’s main strategies include building sludge treatment plants, working with the private sector, training sanitation workers, and keeping communities involved through regular education.

Fawu also warned that poor faecal waste management,such as using pit latrines and septic tanks without proper disposal,can lead to pollution, contaminated water, and serious health problems.

Despite these challenges, he said the government sees a chance to turn waste into opportunity.

“We are exploring innovative ways to turn waste into wealth,” he said. “When treated properly, faecal sludge can be converted into energy, organic fertiliser, or even water for non-drinking purposes.”

With the government now pledging to develop a sustainable FSM system and involve the private sector, there is fresh hope that Gombe can turn its sanitation challenges into economic benefits.

Mrs Namban Michael, a WASH Officer at UNICEF, speaking on behalf of Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, stressed that FSM is a key part of ending open defecation.

She commended Dr Rafique’s efforts in promoting learning visits between states, especially to Bauchi State, which has made strong progress in faecal waste management. She said these visits can help Gombe learn and adopt better systems.

“It’s not just about building and using toilets,” Mrs Michael said. “It’s also about how and where the waste is disposed.

She added that even though states like Jigawa have reached Open Defecation Free status, they still struggle with managing toilet waste. Gombe, she said, now has a good chance to build proper and lasting FSM systems from the start.

Mrs Michael explained that UNICEF, through the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign, is encouraging Gombe to take early action and lay a strong foundation for managing faecal waste.

She also said that the campaign served as an orientation for government officials, partners, and communities to understand their roles and the early steps needed to make FSM work.

She emphasised the key role of the media in spreading awareness about open defecation and educating the public on the health and economic benefits of proper faecal waste management

Also speaking at the event, Dr Abubakar Lumumba of RUWASSA noted that no community in Gombe has yet been declared open defecation free.

“People must stop thinking it’s normal to defecate in the open,” he said. “We need to change this mindset.

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the government to help teach people why using toilets is so important.

Experts said that if faecal waste is properly treated and reused, it will not only improve sanitation and reduce disease, but also open up new economic opportunities for the state.

In conclusion, proper faecal sludge management has the potential to create jobs, generate income, and give Gombe State a strong boost to its economy while safeguarding the health of its people.