By Fatima Saka
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, has intensified efforts to make Nigeria open defecation-free by 2030 through the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
During a courtesy visit to His Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasized the significance of the campaign in addressing sanitation challenges across the country.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Utsev outlined the key objectives of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign, which aims to eliminate open defecation and improve hygiene nationwide.
“The goal is to create a cleaner society and prevent waterborne diseases caused by open defecation, which contaminates our water bodies,” the minister stated. “Water is life, and when it is polluted, it becomes a source of disease.”
Prof. Utsev noted that the campaign was officially launched in 2019 during a Federal Executive Council meeting, with Executive Order 9 signed on November 20, 2019, to enforce its implementation. Since then, progress has been made, particularly under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“With Vice President Kashim Shettima as Chairman of the Steering Committee, the number of open defecation-free local government areas has increased from 102 to 142. Notably, Niger State has become the first state to achieve complete open defecation-free status,” he added.
The minister highlighted the critical role faith-based organizations play in promoting behavioral change, emphasizing the need for churches to incorporate sanitation awareness into their teachings and community outreach.
“The church is a powerful platform for spreading messages that promote public health. By emphasizing the dignity of human life and care for one’s neighbor, churches can encourage their members to adopt better sanitation practices,” he said.
He urged religious institutions to provide and maintain sanitation facilities as models for their communities, while also engaging in public awareness campaigns.
“The federal government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, is ready to provide technical support to churches and faith-based organizations to enhance this campaign,” he assured.
In response, His Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, commended the minister for involving faith-based organizations in the initiative, describing it as a necessary step in bridging the gap between government policies and grassroots communities.
“This is how governance should work—leaders engaging with the people they serve,” he said. “I travel frequently to rural areas, and I see how much people appreciate direct engagement with leaders. Unfortunately, many government officials remain distant from the realities of those they serve.”
He pledged the Catholic Church’s full support for the campaign, drawing parallels with Pope Francis’ Laudato Si encyclical, which advocates for environmental care.
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“The Pope has spoken extensively about the need to protect our environment. Open defecation contaminates water sources and spreads diseases. This is a matter of public health and dignity,” he stressed.
The Archbishop assured that the church would incorporate sanitation awareness into its teachings and encourage parishes, especially in rural areas, to build and maintain proper sanitation facilities.
“We are in this together. The Catholic Church will use its platforms—sermons, conferences, and outreach programs—to support this mission. Just as we educated people during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will also help spread this message,” he affirmed.
He concluded by offering prayers for Pope Francis’ quick recovery and encouraging further collaboration between the government and faith-based organizations in improving public health and sanitation across Nigeria.
