The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources And Sanitation has restated its unwavering commitment to supporting state-led Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions as Nigeria intensifies efforts to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2030.
This was revealed during a high-level advocacy visit to Kano State, where 20 out of 26 Local Government Areas (LGAs) that have attained ODF status were formally awarded certificates at a ceremony held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano. The event coincided with the North-West Zonal Review Meeting of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” Campaign.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, lauded Kano State for its exemplary performance in the sanitation sector. The Minister emphasized that Kano’s achievement reflects what is possible through strategic collaboration, sustained community engagement, and political will.
According to a press statement issued by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Minister noted that Nigeria has recorded several national milestones under the Clean Nigeria Campaign. These include the reconstitution of the campaign’s Steering Committee, the launch of the revised 2025–2030 strategy, declaration of 148 LGAs as ODF, development of a real-time monitoring portal, and ongoing high-level engagements with religious and traditional leaders.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Prof. Utsev reaffirmed that the Federal Government will continue to provide technical and policy support to sub-national governments to accelerate progress toward national sanitation targets.
He also called for increased budgetary allocation to WASH, promotion of community-led initiatives, and sustained behavioral change communication.
The Minister emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions and local WASH units in mobilizing grassroots participation and ensuring sustainability of ODF status.
“With 26 LGAs attaining ODF status, Kano State has demonstrated that coordinated action and community leadership can yield impactful sanitation outcomes,” the Minister said.
He further acknowledged the support of development partners such as UNICEF, WaterAid, Self Help Africa, SATO, and the Network on Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) for their technical and financial contributions to the national sanitation drive.
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In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo, who represented the Executive Governor, celebrated the state’s progress, disclosing that 26 out of 44 LGAs have now been certified ODF.
He described open defecation as a serious public health hazard and praised stakeholders for their commitment to the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach that has guided the state’s success.
The event concluded with the formal presentation of ODF certificates to the 20 LGAs and the conferring of the “ODF Great Achievers Award” on the Governor of Kano State in recognition of his leadership in advancing sanitation goals.
