…intensifies efforts for Nigeria to be open defecation free in 5yrs

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has certified 26 Local Government Areas of Kano State Open Defecation Free.

According to a statement signed by the Director, Information and PR, Funmi Imuetinyan, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev did the presentation of the ODF certificates to the qualified LGAs in Kano State, and also the ODF Great Achievers Award to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf.

Utsev who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, commended the Kano State Government for its commitment, which has positioned it among the top-performing states in Nigeria’s sanitation sector.

Meanwhile, he highlighted key national milestones of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, including the reconstitution of its Steering Committee, the launch of a revised 2025–2030 strategy, declaration of 148 LGAs as ODF, creation of a real-time monitoring web portal, and ongoing high-level advocacy with High-level advocacy with religious and traditional leaders, and other planned engagements.

The Minister also assured that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting sub-national governments to end open defecation by 2030.

However, he urged stakeholders to increase budget allocations for WASH, promote community ownership, and drive behavioural change through effective communication.

He emphasized the vital role of traditional institutions in mobilizing rural communities and highlighted the importance of working through Local Government WASH Units and community structures like WASHCOMs to achieve and sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) outcomes.

He said: “With 26 LGAs attaining ODF status, Kano State has demonstrated what is possible through strategic collaboration and strong community engagement.”

Meanwhile, the Minister acknowledged the vital role of development partners including UNICEF, WaterAid, Self Help Africa, SATO, and NEWSAN, in providing technical and financial assistance that has accelerated sanitation across the country.

In a remark, the Kano State State Governor, Abba Yusuf represented by Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo, expressed pride in the State’s sanitation progress, announcing that 26 out of 44 Local Government Areas, LGAs, have been certified Open Defecation Free, ODF.

Yusuf also described open defecation as a serious public health threat, and applauded the collective efforts of stakeholders, including UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, and other partners, for supporting the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.