Open Defecation: FG Reaffirms Support For 2030 Target

The federal government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for state-led efforts to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services as part of the national drive to end open defecation by 2030.

The commitment, demonstrated in Kano State, where 20 of the 26 local government areas that had  attained Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status were formally awarded ODF certificates, was reiterated by the minister of water resources and sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, during an advocacy visit and the official presentation of certificates to the 20 LGs.

The ceremony coincided with the North-West Zonal Review Meeting of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

Represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, the minister lauded the Kano State government for its commitment which has positioned it among the top-performing states in Nigeria’s sanitation sector.

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 assured that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the federal government remained steadfast in its commitment to support sub-national governments to end open defecation by 2030.

Prof. Utsev 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.

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

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

The deputy governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo, representing the governor, expressed pride in the state’s sanitation progress, announcing that 26 of the 44 LGAs had been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF).

He highlighted 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.