Federal Gov’t To Launch Plan For Eradication Of Open Defecation

Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is set to launch the Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan aimed at intensifying efforts to eradicate open defecation across the country.

The minister of water resources and sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who stated this at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, highlighted the critical role of the campaign in addressing sanitation challenges.

Open defecation, he said, remains a major public health concern, contaminating water sources, spreading diseases, and disproportionately affecting women, girls and vulnerable communities.

He said since its inception in 2019, the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ campaign had achieved significant milestones with 135 local government areas attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and over 30,000 communities certified as ODF.

However, Prof. Utsev acknowledged the need for increased advocacy and strategic action to meet the ambitious goal of an open defecation-free Nigeria.

He further stated that the forthcoming strategic plan outlined a pathway to ensure all Nigerians have access to toilets by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6.

The plan emphasises active engagement with stakeholders, including state governors, local government leaders, legislators, international partners and private sector actors to sustain momentum and increase political support.

The minister acknowledged persistent challenges, including insufficient awareness and limited funding, stating that while the campaign receives annual budgetary allocations of ₦10 billion, less than half of this amount was released for implementation.

The event, coinciding with World Toilet Day on November 19, 2024, with the theme, “Sanitation for Peace,” underscores the role of sanitation in fostering health, dignity, and environmental protection.