By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Federal Government, Thursday, declared eight Local Government Areas Open Defecation Free, ODF, in Kano and Kebbi States.

According to a statement signed by the Director Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan,  the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, made the announcement based on the report by the National Task Group on Sanitation, NTGS,

The newly declared ODF LGAs are: Kano State; Kiru, Bagwai, Dawakin Tofa, Gaya, Shanono, Gabasawa, and Ungogo; Kebbi State; Shanga.

Utsev explained that the NTGS, a multi-sectoral platform involving key stakeholders from relevant Ministries, Government Agencies, Development Partners, NGOs, and the Media, validated and declared the eight LGAs ODF during its monthly meeting held in Abuja on September 18, 2024. 

“With these additions, the Honourable Minister noted that the total number of ODF LGAs in the country now stands at 134. 

“This milestone underscores ongoing efforts to enhance public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability across Nigeria”, the statement added.