Reckitt Catalyst Program Drives Local Sanitation Impact in Nigeria with New Lagos Facility
Reckitt Nigeria has announced the commissioning of a new public sanitation facility in Abule Egba, Lagos, constructed by MN Environmental Services. This enterprise is one of four health and hygiene businesses in Nigeria from the 2025 cohort of the Reckitt Catalyst programme. The facility is projected to serve more than 30,000 commuters each month, delivering essential Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to one of Lagos's busiest transit corridors.
Addressing Nigeria's Sanitation Crisis Through Global and Local Initiatives
Reckitt Catalyst is a five-year global programme launched to accelerate access to health and hygiene solutions worldwide. Since its inception in Nigeria in 2023, the initiative has supported 10 social entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, business training, and distributing over N85 million in seed funding. The programme places a strong emphasis on female and underrepresented founders, ensuring equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs who encounter systemic barriers within the ecosystem. Participants also join a global community of practice across health, hygiene, and WASH sectors, gaining visibility and credibility to foster sustainable growth.
Nigeria continues to grapple with a sanitation crisis of immense proportions. Over 179 million Nigerians currently lack access to basic sanitation, and an estimated 46 million people still practice open defecation. In Lagos, the nation's most populous city, the challenge is particularly severe: 70% of residents lack access to safely managed sanitation, while 65% are without basic hygiene services. Despite decades of interventions, the rapid emergence of new challenges continues to outpace existing solutions.
Sustainable Design and Collaborative Partnerships
The Abule Egba facility offers a practical and scalable response to these pressing realities. Built with sustainability at its core, the facility features a biodegradable waterless sanitation system and a modular design that allows for flexible deployment across various communities. It includes separate male and female toilets and shower facilities, ensuring accessibility and comfort for all users.
Speaking at the commissioning event, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Communications, Media and Partnerships for Reckitt West and East Africa, stated: "We launched the Reckitt Catalyst Programme to see projects exactly like this come to life. The fastest and most effective way to bring impact to underserved communities is to empower the people within those communities, those who understand the problem and know what solutions need to look like." She added: "Through our power brand Harpic, Reckitt remains committed to expanding sanitation and hygiene access, reducing open defecation, and improving the lives of Nigerians. This facility is proof of what becomes possible when government, corporates, and local enterprises collaborate."
Jife Williams, Co-founder of MN Environmental Services, highlighted the critical importance of sanitation: "Access to clean and safe sanitation is a fundamental human right. This facility has been designed to provide a hygienic, accessible, and well‑managed environment for all users, and we are committed to ensuring its sustainability and proper maintenance." She further discussed the significance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing Nigeria's sanitation gaps: "The project was delivered through a Public‑Private Partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). There is no organisation, government agency, or institution that can fight these challenges alone. It requires collaboration across all sectors."
Community Engagement and Future Implications
The commissioning event was attended by state dignitaries and community stakeholders, including Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director of Sanitation Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Environmental Services & Water Resources; Hon. Abiodun Ishola Ejigbadero, the Executive Chairman of Agbado Oke Odo Local Council Development Area, represented by his Vice Chairman, Hon. Shobayo Kehinde; and other members of the Abule Egba community.
The successful commissioning represents a significant milestone for the Reckitt Catalyst programme in Nigeria. It demonstrates that targeted, locally rooted investment, guided by global health goals, is an underutilized yet highly effective model for driving lasting community impact. This initiative not only addresses immediate sanitation needs but also sets a precedent for future collaborations aimed at improving public health and hygiene across the country.
