VP Shettima calls for intensified efforts to end open defecation in Nigeria
…reaffirms FG’s commitment to “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the governors of Nigeria’s 36 states to intensify efforts in ensuring the nation becomes open defecation-free within the next five years.
He emphasized that achieving this goal would significantly improve public health, productivity, and the dignity of Nigerians.
Speaking at the 5th anniversary of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, VP Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, called for greater political support, particularly at the state and local levels.
The Vice President highlighted the economic opportunities in the sanitation sector, noting its potential to create jobs, provide alternative energy sources, and produce biological fertilizers.
He also stressed the risks of open defecation, especially for women, girls, and vulnerable communities, as it compromises public health, contaminates water sources, and reduces overall quality of life.
“The Federal Government is committed to achieving an open defecation-free Nigeria, and we have rolled out initiatives to bridge the gap in basic sanitation services,” Shettima assured.
He commended stakeholders, including state governors, local government chairpersons, legislators, development partners, and the media, for their continued support.
In his remarks, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, aligned the campaign’s goals with World Toilet Day, an initiative by the United Nations.
He recounted the launch of the Clean Nigeria campaign in 2019, supported by Presidential Executive Order 009, to address the country’s alarming open defecation statistics, with 48 million Nigerians reportedly affected.
Prof. Utsev noted that 135 local government areas (LGAs) have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, with over 30,000 communities certified. However, he expressed concern about the slow progress, urging accelerated efforts to meet the 2025 target.
Senate Committee on Water Resources Chairman, Senator Eze Kenneth Emeka, commended the Federal Government for sustaining the campaign.
He reiterated the importance of achieving the 2025 target and called for unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
