Pandemic, Epidemic and Endemic: How Environmental Sanitation and Public Hygiene Laws Can be Utilized to Ensure a Safer Nigeria (preprint)

ABSTRACT

A time like this is unprecedented in history, when almost all nations of the world are battling with an existence threatening disease on rampage. Predating the outbreak of the novel strain of COVID-19 in Nigeria was the Ebola virus outbreak that strongly rocked the nation and almost crippled her economy and that of many other African nations. Even more disturbing is the realization that the outbreak and ravage of these dangerous viruses does not in any way translate to the cowering and reduction of other seemingly less dangerous ones. Still very much amidst us are typhoid fever, malaria, Lassa fever, chicken pox and others that have claimed the lives of millions in this part of the world. Despite some uncertainties plaguing available information in this regard, medical and health experts seem to agree on the fact that basic hygiene and a clean environment could serve as an effective measure against many of these viruses and diseases; a very simple and basic measure which Nigeria should embrace tightly, considering the nation’s inadequacy in handling the cost demanding effect of a boomerang. This paper starts by looking into the importance of basic hygiene and a clean environment in curbing diseases and viruses. The paper then proceeds to consider the level of public hygiene and sanitation maintained in Nigeria; before delving into the current state and impact of laws in this area, examining both International laws and local legislations. The ultimate aim here is to push forth a more effective legal regime, enforcement procedure and positive attitude towards environmental sanitation and public hygiene, having in mind the larger picture of a safer Nigeria with a healthier economy.