Alumni Pledge Effort To End Open Defecation In FCT

The Japan Intentional Cooperation Agency(JICA) Alumni Association of Nigeria (JAAN) has pledged commitment to help achieve Open Defecation-Free status in all six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory by 2027 and create a sustainable model that can be replicated across other regions.

President of JAAN, Ahmed Agberankhe, stated this at a seminar on “Dangers of Open Defecation and Strategies for Eradication in the FCT” held in Abuja.

Represented by the second vice president of the association, Aishatu Gambo Jakada, he said despite Abuja’s status, open defecation remained prevalent, particularly in peri-urban and rural communities, adding that limited access to toilets, low hygiene awareness and inadequate enforcement contribute to the problem.

Agberankhe noted that while the FCT Administration had initiated several sanitation campaigns, these challenges persist due to capacity gaps, weak community participation and inadequate infrastructure.

“Effective partnership with the six area councils offers an opportunity to strengthen institutional capacities, improve sanitation infrastructure, and foster community-led behavioral change through JAAN’s technical expertise and best practices in community-driven sanitation programmes.

“This initiative aims to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in all six councils by 2027 and create a sustainable model that can be replicated across other regions.

“The project also aligns with Nigeria’s Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign and the National Roadmap to End Open Defecation,” he added.

Also speaking, the chief representative of JICA Nigeria, Ishigame Keiji, said the focus on ending open defecation across the six area councils of the FCT is both timely and commendable.