By PALANG KASMI
ALHAJI Sani Idris, a pioneer in the private toilet business and Patron of Toilet Business Owners in Plateau State and Abuja, has spent over 30 years building a livelihood from what many dismissively call the ‘shit business’. From feeding his family and acquiring assets, to training his children at universities in Nigeria and abroad, Idris has proven that sanitation can be both a service to humanity and a path to economic independence.
In this interaction with our correspondent, he calls on government to invest in the toilet sector as a viable revenue generator, highlights the profitability of the business and encourages greater participation, especially from women, who remain underrepresented in this essential service.
Humble beginnings
Born in Jos, Idris has been in the toilet construction and management business for more than three decades. He recalls starting out as a builder of toilets and soakaways in Plateau State before expanding to Abuja.
“At first, I was only paid stipends/’ he explained.”But I saw the prospects, and with determination to expand, I built my first toilet at a busy car park. That changed my life. Today, I own multiple toilets across Plateau and the FCT, as well as houses, land, and other assets/’
His journey, which began before the Babangida administration, transformed him from poverty to economic independence.
Debunking myths, misconceptions
Idris says many people still look down on toilet operators, but the perception is far from the reality.
“People think toilet business is for outcasts, but that is not true. There is money in this business. I have made huge profits, employed workers, and invested in assets. I have toilets in Plateau, Bauchi, Niger, and more than 12 in the FCT alone.”
Charges for usage have evolved over time. “When I started, people paid Nl. Today, urinating costs N50, bathing with cold water costs N100, and hot water baths are N150. From these proceeds, I pay salaries, allowances, and even feed my workers three times daily/’
The gender gap in toilet business
Despite its profitability, Idris laments the absence of women in the trade.
“For over 30 years, it has only been men. Women see it as a man’s business. But if women joined, the sector would flourish more, because they are natural homekeepers who would add value.”
He says he has offered N30,000 monthly salaries plus daily feeding allowances to attract women, but so far, none have taken up the offer.
From toilets to assets, education
Idris treats the toilet business with seriousness. He has built houses, acquired land and supported his family’s education.
“I didn’t go to school, but I used this business to send my son abroad. Today, he is my manager, handling paperwork and regulatory matters. From one toilet, I make between N3,000 to N30,000 daily, depending on the location.”
Fecal sludge management: A growing sector
Idris notes that managing filled soakaways is a major cost. “We used to pay N10,000 per evacuation trip, now it is N40,000. Still, we maintain cleanliness daily, with dedicated staff for washing and fee collection.”
At a recent Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) stakeholders’ forum in Jos, organised by PRUWASSA, UNICEF and partners, experts discussed how fecal sludge could be converted into fertiliser, compost and biogas for energy. Idris said he looks forward to partnerships that can transform waste into wealth.
Experts like Engr. David Jaafaru Wuyep and Engr Alexander Asanja Jok also urged Plateau State to step up efforts towards Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, stressing that FSM could drive public health, environmental conservation and economic growth.
A call for action
Idris believes the future of sanitation business in Nigeria is bright but requires more participation and government support.
“Toilet business is viable. I make at least N10,000 a day from one toilet. Imagine the potential across Nigeria. We need more entrepreneurs, especially women and youths, to join this sector,” he said.
He called on the Plateau State Government to prioritise modern toilet facilities and restore past support, such as provision of sanitation chemicals, to boost hygiene.
“I urge governments at all levels to partner with us. Toilet business is not just about profit, it is about health, dignity and development.