This study examines the elements that contribute to open defecation in rural communities of Abuja, Nigeria with emphasis on socio-economic and cultural factors and their implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 6. A mixed methods approach was used, including a survey of 200 households, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The quantitative data were evaluated by means of descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression, whereas the qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis. The findings were that 62% of the respondents have practiced open defecation, mainly because of poverty, cultural beliefs and historical reasons. Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between household income (kh2 = 24.67, p < 0.001), education (kh2 = 18.42, p < 0.001) and sanitation behaviours. Logistic regression analysis also indicated that households with income less than 20,000 Naira (N20,000) were 4.3 times more likely to practice open defecation. The likelihood of engaging in intermarriage was 3.7 times higher among participants with no formal education and the likelihood of sustaining the practice was 2.8 times higher in households that practice traditional beliefs. Health effects such as higher rates of diarrhoea, cholera and childhood stunting were a reflection of risks to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). The results suggest that income poverty, low level of education and cultural traditions are the most important predictors of open defecation. The paper concludes by saying that integrated approaches that include affordable sanitation technology, targeted poverty alleviation and culturally sensitive behaviour change interventions are needed to address these.