David spoke on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Abuja in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day Celebration. “Over the decades, the country has witnessed massive demographic growth from about 45 million in 1960 to more than 220 million today. “Open defecation persists; almost 48 million Nigerians practice it, with serious health and environmental consequences. “Regulatory tools remain outdated, weak, poorly enforced, and often ill-suited to modern challenges like climate change, health impacts, and social equity. “The ESHIA Bill puts the people and the communities first and seeks to embed stronger standards, including free, prior, and informed consent of affected communities.