Federal Government Reiterates Commitment to Ending Open Defecation by 2030

Strategic Insights -

As part of the national drive to eradicate open defecation by 2030, the federal government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for state-led efforts to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, praised the Kano state government for its commitment, making it one of the top-performing states in Nigeria's sanitation sector. The minister emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in mobilizing rural communities and highlighted the need for effective communication to drive behavioral change. Meanwhile, the Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, announced that 26 out of 44 local government areas have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF).

Key Takeaways:

  • The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending open defecation by 2030 through state-led efforts to improve WASH services.
  • Kano state is one of the top-performing states in Nigeria's sanitation sector, with 26 out of 44 local government areas certified as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
  • The minister emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in mobilizing rural communities to end open defecation.
  • Effective communication is crucial in driving behavioral change and promoting community ownership of WASH services.
  • The federal government has reconstituted the Clean Nigeria Campaign steering committee and launched a revised 2025-2030 strategy.
  • 148 local government areas have been declared Open Defecation Free, and a real-time monitoring web portal has been created to track progress.
  • Development partners such as UNICEF, WaterAid, Self Help Africa, SATO, and NEWSAN are providing technical and financial assistance to accelerate sanitation across the country.

Statistics:

  • 20 local government areas in Nigeria have been awarded Open Defecation Free (ODF) certificates in Kano state.
  • 26 out of 44 local government areas in Kano state have been certified as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
  • 148 local government areas have been declared Open Defecation Free across the country.
  • The federal government has created a real-time monitoring web portal to track progress in ending open defecation.

Sources:

  • Statement by Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
  • Press release by the Kano state government announcing ODF certification for 26 local government areas.