ICCDI Africa Launches Bottle Toilet Project Across Six Nigerian States to Combat Open Defecation

ICCDI Africa & UNIMAC Cameroon Launches Bottle Toilet Project Across Six Nigerian States to Combat Open Defecation and Plastic Waste.

Lagos, Nigeria — The International Climate Change Development Initiative Africa (ICCDI Africa) and UNIMAC Cameroon have successfully launched its Bottle Toilet Project across six states in Nigeria, marking a major milestone in community-led sanitation innovation and environmental sustainability. The project is being implemented in Osun State (Ede South), Niger State (Anguwar Gwari, Suleja), Enugu State (Nkpomkpo-Umuneri, Ugwunani, Aku Diewa in Igbo-Etiti LGA), Akwa Ibom State (Community Secondary School Nkek, Ukanafun LGA), Adamawa State (Wuro Hausa Community), and Kano State (Jaoji).

The Bottle Toilet Project is supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and is designed to address multiple development challenges simultaneously — reducing plastic waste, improving access to sanitation, empowering women and youth, and promoting sustainable alternatives to open defecation in underserved communities.

By transforming discarded plastic bottles into durable toilet infrastructure, the project offers a low-cost, locally adaptable, and environmentally friendly sanitation solution. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative integrates community education, hygiene awareness, and skills development, ensuring long-term ownership and impact.

Speaking on the launch, Shittu Ismaila, Monitoring & Evaluation Director of ICCDI Africa, said:

“The Bottle Toilet Project demonstrates how local innovation can respond to global challenges. By turning plastic waste into dignified sanitation solutions, we are not only addressing open defecation but also empowering women and young people with skills, awareness, and leadership in their communities.”

The project also aligns with Nigeria’s national sanitation goals, climate resilience priorities, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

ICCDI Africa expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Canada and the Canadian Embassy in Nigeriafor their continued commitment to grassroots development and climate-resilient solutions.

A representative of the Canadian Government, Maude Olivier noted:

“Through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, we are proud to support community-driven projects like the Bottle Toilet Project that deliver practical solutions, protect the environment, and improve lives, particularly for women and vulnerable groups.”

ICCDI Africa also extends sincere gratitude to all local partner organisations, community leaders, volunteers, and stakeholders across the six states whose collaboration made the successful launch possible. Their collective effort underscores the power of partnerships in delivering inclusive and sustainable development outcomes.

As the project progresses, ICCDI Africa will continue to monitor impact, strengthen community ownership, and advocate for the scaling of innovative sanitation solutions nationwide.

By ICCDI Africa Media Team

ICCDI Africa Launches Bottle Toilet Project Across Six Nigerian States to Combat Open Defecation… was originally published in International Climate Change Development Initiative Africa on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.