“Many Nigerian Youths Now Sniff Pit Latrines, As Substitute For Codeine” – Health Group Calls For Ban Of All Latrine Pit Toilets

The Basic Registry and Information System in Nigeria (BRISIN) has called for urgent sensitisation against the use of pit latrine because many youths now sniff latrines as substitute for codeine.

Dr Misbau Lawal, the Coordinator, Health and Environment in BRISIN made the call todayin Ilorin saying that the since codeine had been banned by the Federal Government, many youths now sniff pit latrine and lizard dung as substitute.

He said that there is urgent need to discourage the use of pit latrines by the government at all levels.

According to him, lizard dung comprises uric acid and all reptiles excrete uric acid. “The vapour of decomposing human dung has effect on the central nervous system, producing narcosis just like codeine when inhaled. People using pit latrine should dehydrate it with sulphuric acid or the government can recycle human defecation to make bio-gas for economic benefits,” he said.

Besides, he appealed to the government to ensure codeine was not allowed into the country through border routes because some unscrupulous people could use other means to bring in the drug. According to him, every drastic measure must be utilised to save the youths of the nation and the government must be committed.