Experts in the health and environment sector have again raised an alarm over dangers associated with dirty toilets and poor hygiene.

The latest warning was coming at a time the globe was commemorating the World Toilet Day celebration, which is marked yearly.

They made the disclosure at an event organised by Health Communication and Visibility in partnership with Bam Environmental Consultancy Limited and Newsbalance Media and Communication.

The sensitisation program was done at Junior Secondary School, Dutse, Abuja.

Speaking, the Program Director of Health Communication and Visibility, Bukola Afeni, urged the students to maintain a high level of hygiene when using toilets both within and outside the school premises.

She emphasised the importance of adopting good hygiene habits, particularly in schools and public places.

"Dirty toilets contribute to unsanitary conditions that can lead to the spread of infections, skin irritations, and respiratory issues," she warned.

According to her, poor sanitation poses a significant risk to public health.

"Without proper cleaning, dirty toilets are breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. We need to maintain a high level of hygiene to safeguard our health," she said.

The communication expert noted that the World Toilet Day event is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene, and to promote collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 - clean water and sanitation for all.

Afeni urged students to become sanitation champions, spreading awareness and inspiring change in their communities.

"As sanitation champions, students have the power to spread awareness and inspire change in their communities," she said.

The Director, Bam Environmental Consultancy Limited, Bolutife Bamgbowu, called on schools, communities, and government to prioritise sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases.

He emphasised the need for schools to provide adequate sanitation facilities, including functional toilets and handwashing stations with soap and water.

"As an environmental expert , I strongly advise schools to prioritize the provision of adequate sanitation facilities, including functional toilets and handwashing stations with soap and water," he said.

Bamgbowu noted that incorporating hygiene education into school curricula would empower students with the knowledge and skills to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

"Schools should also incorporate hygiene education into their curriculum, teaching students the importance of proper handwashing, toilet hygiene, and waste management," he said.

He then called on the Nigerian government to prioritize sanitation infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, where access to improved sanitation facilities is limited.

"The Nigerian government should prioritize sanitation infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, where access to improved sanitation facilities is limited," he said.

The expert also called on organisations to join forces with government, schools, and communities to prioritize sanitation and hygiene.

"I urge organisations to join forces with government, schools, and communities to prioritize sanitation and hygiene," he said.