Federal Gov’t Certifies 20 Kano LGAs Open Defecation-Free

The Federal Government has officially certified 20 Local Government Areas in Kano State as Open Defecation Free (ODF), with six others nearing the same status.

The announcement was made during a ceremony where certificates were presented to state and local government officials, following recommendations from the Clean Nigeria Campaign.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, praised the Kano State Government for its swift actions in improving sanitation and hygiene.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, the minister acknowledged the crucial support of development partners, including UNICEF, WaterAid, and NEWSAN.

“Kano State has demonstrated strong commitment to ending open defecation. We commend the state and its partners for driving behavioral change among the people. However, we must accelerate efforts to ensure the remaining LGAs achieve ODF status,” he said.

The minister urged Kano State to leverage its large population to attract private sector investment in sanitation.

He also called for an executive order on sanitation, greater involvement of traditional rulers, and increased hiring of sanitation facilitators to sustain progress.

The state Governor, Engr Abba Yusuf, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, expressed pride in the achievement, attributing it to mass interventions, community engagement, and stricter enforcement of sanitation laws.

“Waterborne diseases remain a major public health threat. Our goal is to reach every household by deploying sanitary inspectors and increasing investments in the sector to maintain our ODF status,” he said.

He thanked the federal government, UNICEF, and other partners for their support, emphasising the state’s commitment to expanding sanitation coverage.

UNICEF Representative, Muhammad Farrah also lauded Kano State’s progress while urging further action.

“This achievement is commendable, but we must consolidate these gains. Adequate funding for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programmes is critical, alongside addressing polio, malnutrition, and child-friendly environments,” he said.

He also praised neighbouring Jigawa and Katsina States for their successes in eradicating open defecation.

Managing Director of Kano State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Engr. Shamwilu Abdulkadir Isa, reported significant progress in water provision, including over 50 new water schemes.

“With the governor’s support and our partners, we have made remarkable strides. We are confident that the remaining LGAs will soon achieve ODF status,” he assured.