Maiden National Sanitation conference: FG, Partners Rally to Fast-Track Universal Hygiene in Nigeria
By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with development partners, has renewed its commitment to accelerating nationwide access to safe sanitation at the Maiden National Sanitation Conference, themed “Accelerating Sanitation for All.”
The commitment was reiterated on Monday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the two-day conference, which convenes key actors across government institutions, development agencies, academia, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen collaboration and drive innovation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
Declaring the conference open, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by Mrs. Inna Binta Audu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, described sanitation as one of Nigeria’s most urgent public health and developmental priorities.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to decisive action, the Vice President emphasized the need for strengthened partnerships, innovative financing, and private sector-led solutions.
He noted that Nigeria’s sanitation and menstrual hygiene economy could grow to $14.23 billion by 2030 if fully optimized, adding that “The time for half measures is over; the time for collective acceleration is now.”
In his address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, said the maiden conference marks a major milestone in the country’s push to expand access to safe sanitation and hygiene.
Prof. Utsev urged the consolidation of gains recorded under initiatives such as the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, while calling for scaled-up investments and evidence-based solutions across the country.
The minister further Commends the broad participation of stakeholders, noting that multi-sector collaboration remains essential for driving sustainable national impact.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa,represented by Mrs. Maliafia Danlami Hassana, affirmed that access to safe sanitation is a fundamental human right, calling for bold and innovative actions to close existing gaps.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, represented by Mr. Hussein Abdukadiri, revealed that the FCT Administration is enforcing a bylaw endorsed by all six Area Council Chairmen mandating their councils to attain open defecation-free (ODF) status by 2026.
He assured the FCTA’s readiness to sustain collaboration with national and international partners.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, represented by Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, stated that the Office is committed to strengthening workplace hygiene across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
She reiterated the civil service’s critical role in advancing national priorities through professionalism and evidence-driven implementation, assuring continued support for the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
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Development partners also delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming their commitment to working with the Nigerian government to close sanitation gaps.
The conference continues until 18th November with plenary discussions, syndicate sessions, and a sanitation exhibition showcasing technologies, innovations, and products aimed at strengthening sanitation service delivery nationwide.
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