Federal Government Reaffirms Support for State-Led Efforts to Improve WASH Services

Strategic Insights -

The federal government has expressed its unwavering commitment to supporting state-led efforts to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services as part of the national drive to end open defecation by 2030. This commitment was demonstrated in Kano State, where 20 of the 26 Local Government Areas (LGAs) that had attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status were formally awarded ODF certificates. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, praised the Kano State Government for its commitment, which has positioned it among the top-performing states in Nigeria's sanitation sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The federal government has reaffirmed its support for state-led efforts to improve WASH services as part of the national drive to end open defecation by 2030.
  • 20 of the 26 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano State have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and were formally awarded ODF certificates.
  • The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, praised the Kano State Government for its commitment, which has positioned it among the top-performing states in Nigeria's sanitation sector.
  • The federal government has committed to supporting 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.
  • Traditional institutions play a vital role in mobilising rural communities, and working through Local Government WASH Units and community structures like WASHCOMs is essential to achieve and sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) outcomes.
  • Development partners such as UNICEF, WaterAid, Self Help Africa, SATO, and NEWSAN have provided technical and financial assistance to accelerate sanitation across the country.

Statistics:

  • 26 LGAs in Kano State have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF).
  • 20 out of 26 LGAs in Kano State have attained ODF status and were formally awarded ODF certificates.
  • 26 out of 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano State have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF).
  • Kano State has positioned itself among the top-performing states in Nigeria's sanitation sector.
  • The federal government has committed to supporting sub-national governments to end open defecation by 2030.

Sources:

  • "Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev's Statement"
  • "Kano State Government's Press Release"