The Federal Government has called on state governors to intensify efforts toward eliminating open defecation nationwide within the next five years. Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, made this appeal during the 5th anniversary of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign in Abuja.
Shettima emphasized that ending open defecation would enhance public health, productivity, and dignity, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children. He highlighted the potential economic benefits of improved sanitation, including job creation, alternative energy sources, and the production of organic fertilizers.
“The new Strategic Plan for the Clean Nigeria Campaign provides a comprehensive framework to achieve universal toilet access by 2030,” he stated, urging governors to mobilize political and community support at state and local levels to meet the goal of an Open Defecation Free (ODF) Nigeria by 2025.
The Vice President warned of the public health risks posed by open defecation, including water contamination and the spread of diseases, stressing the administration’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which focuses on adequate sanitation for all.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, noted that Nigeria still has over 48 million people practicing open defecation despite progress made under the campaign. Since its launch in 2019, 135 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been declared ODF, and over 30,000 communities have received certifications.
However, Prof. Utsev acknowledged that the progress remains insufficient to meet the campaign’s 2025 target. He reiterated the importance of nationwide advocacy and stakeholder collaboration to accelerate efforts.
Senator Eze Kenneth Emeka, Chair of the Senate Committee on Water Resources, praised the initiative, urging all stakeholders to stay focused on achieving the set goals.
The Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign continues to gain momentum as a transformative movement to end open defecation and improve sanitation across the country.
