The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has called on leaders of the Abuja National Mosque and other mosques nationwide to support its commitment to ending open defecation in Nigeria by 2030.
The government emphasized that eliminating open defecation will significantly reduce cases of cholera, diarrhea, and other waterborne diseases.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, the appeal was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, during an advocacy visit to the Murshid of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Saeed Galadanci, in Abuja. The Minister was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, and other senior officials.
Prof. Utsev highlighted the severe socio-economic and health risks associated with open defecation, stressing its impact on public health, environmental sustainability, and national development. He recalled the launch of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign in August 2019, a flagship initiative aimed at making Nigeria open-defecation-free (ODF). He reaffirmed that the campaign remains a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
On the progress made so far, the Minister stated that 142 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have attained ODF status, with Jigawa State being the only state to have completely eradicated open defecation. However, he emphasized the need for sustained efforts and stronger partnerships to ensure that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) achieve ODF status by 2030.
Recognizing the influential role of religious institutions in shaping societal behavior, Prof. Utsev urged mosque leaders to champion the campaign. He emphasized the need for proper sanitation facilities in mosques nationwide and encouraged religious leaders to educate worshippers on hygiene through sermons, teachings, and community engagements.
The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with religious institutions, traditional rulers, and community influencers to promote behavioral change, curb waterborne diseases, and improve public health.
In response, the Murshid of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Saeed Galadanci, represented by Prof. Muhammad Kabir Adam, commended the government’s initiative and stressed the importance of cleanliness in Islam.
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He pledged the mosque’s full support for the campaign and assured the government of its commitment to raising awareness on proper sanitation. He highlighted that the mosque, which serves 5,000–6,000 worshippers daily, provides ablution and toilet facilities for 300 people at a time.
Prof. Adam further stated that the mosque would initiate plans to promote the campaign nationwide by encouraging other Imams to incorporate messages on ending open defecation into their sermons. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between religious institutions and government agencies, reaffirming their shared responsibility in making Nigeria open-defecation-free by 2030.
