Kano Restates Commitment To Improving WASH, 32 LGAs Declared Open Defecation Free

Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services as 32 out of the 44 local government areas in the state have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).

The Team Lead, WASH Systems for Health Programme at Self Help Africa, Mr. Timothy Ibeawuchi, disclosed this during a four-day stakeholders’ review and validation workshop on the Sustainable Basic Sanitation ODF Roadmap and the finalisation of the Kano State WASH Policy, held in Kaduna.

Ibeawuchi said the milestone was achieved under the Clean Nigeria Campaign, noting that the state is advancing efforts to develop a comprehensive and sustainable sanitation framework to ensure equitable and long-lasting services for residents.

He commended the Kano State Government for its strides in improving environmental sanitation and promoting public health.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Water Resources, Engr. Abdulrazaq Haruna, reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf to the provision of essential social services, particularly in the WASH sector.

Haruna explained that the government is working with relevant stakeholders to establish a sustainable and climate-resilient framework that guarantees access to sanitation services for all.

He also lauded participants for their contributions and urged them to sustain collaboration towards producing a policy document capable of improving the wellbeing of residents across the state.

Also speaking, the Sanitation and Partnership Adviser, Mr. Sukumun N. Ezekiel, said only 170 out of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas have so far attained ODF status.

According to him, while the figure reflects gradual progress, it underscores the need for intensified efforts to end open defecation nationwide.