BY ANTHONY OCHELA
Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has reiterated commitment to end open defecation, calling for intensified efforts from all stakeholders to achieve this goal.
Speaking at a ministerial press briefing yesterday in Abuja, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, announced that 135 local government areas and over 30,000 communities have achieved Open Defecation Free, ODF, status since the inception of ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign in 2019’.
A statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs Funmi Imuetinyan, said the briefing was held ahead of the campaign’s fifth anniversary and the launch of Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan, coinciding with World Toilet Day on November 19.
Professor Utsev highlighted the severe public health and environmental impact of open defecation, noting its role in contaminating water sources, spreading diseases and disproportionately affecting women, girls and vulnerable populations.
Despite the progress made, Utsev acknowledged the challenges in meeting the 2025 target and emphasized the need to re-strategize critical aspects of the campaign, including advocacy, awareness and stakeholder engagement.
To address these challenges, the minister outlined several federal government initiatives, including the Declaration of a State of Emergency in the WASH sector, National Action Plan to revitalise the sector, Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, PEWASH, programme, Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene, SURWASH, programme and Presidential Executive Order 009 on achieving an Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025.
The minister described Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan as a comprehensive roadmap for achieving universal access to sanitation by 2030, requiring strong collaboration from state and local governments, international organisations, private sector partners, civil society, the media and the general public.
He also highlighted planned activities for this year’s World Toilet Day, with the theme: “Sanitation for Peace”, to include the launch of the Strategic Plan by Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebration of ODF communities in Kwali Area Council (FCT) and Ikenne (Ogun State), launch of State ODF Roadmaps, recognition of two ODF LGAs in Borno State and the decoration of key stakeholders as WASH Ambassadors.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, expressed delight at the progress made in Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign and ongoing efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025.
He welcomed development partners, civil society organisations and members of the press, commending their commitment to this noble cause and encouraging sustained efforts toward a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.
Present at the briefing were UNICEF’s Chief of WASH, Dr Jane Bevan; representative of WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Mrs Theodora Igboaruka; water experts; stakeholders and directors of the ministry.
