:::: Merit Research Journals :::::::

The study investigated poor sanitation and its effects in Nigeria as the country is heavily plagued with the burden of open defecation. Communities are put at greater risk of infection when sources of drinking water are polluted with human faecal matter, untreated water, sludge etc. Also, the environment can be negatively impacted on especially when coastal areas are bombarded with direct defecation and discharge of sewage thereby disrupting normal ecosystem functions especially of the marine world. It is therefore recommended that all house owners should provide adequate sanitation facilities in their houses and new building plan should not be approved by the regulatory agency of the government unless there is provision for sanitation facility in it. i.e. strict enforcement of building standards. It is also recommended that government at all levels should provide public toilets in order to eliminate the menace of open defecation and should also promote public enlightenment on the dangers of poor sanitation.

Keywords: Health, Defecation, Environment