…….Trains NYSC, CDS Officers across 36 states including FCT to Drive Clean Nigeria Campaign
By Fatima Saka
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has emphasized the need for strong political will to eradicate open defecation in Nigeria.
To achieve this goal, the ministry organized a two-day intensive training for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Community Development Service (CDS) officers from all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The training, conducted in collaboration with Self Help Africa, aims to accelerate the Clean Nigeria Campaign and shift the country’s open defecation-free (ODF) target to 2030.
Speaking in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, highlighted Jigawa State’s success in achieving ODF status as a testament to the impact of strong government commitment. Represented by Moses Jo-Madugu, Director of Reform Coordination, Pheelangwah reiterated the federal government’s dedication to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Nigeria.
The Challenge of Open Defecation
Declaring the workshop open, Jo-Madugu underscored Nigeria’s urgent need to address open defecation, which affects over 48 million people and has severe health, environmental, and economic consequences.
“The Clean Nigeria Campaign was launched in 2019 to end open defecation and improve sanitation and hygiene nationwide. While progress has been made, it remains slow. So far, 136 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and an entire state—Jigawa—have been declared ODF, but we must redouble our efforts to meet the 2030 target,” he said.
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He further outlined key federal government initiatives designed to accelerate progress, including:
The Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH)
The Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) program
Signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministries of Health, Education, and Youth Development for SchoolWASH, HealthWASH, and YouthWASH programs.
“This workshop marks the launch of the YouthWASH program in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, NYSC, partners, and civil society organizations (CSOs). It is a clarion call to action, and we are excited to work with NYSC to mobilize corps members nationwide. Through CDS activities, we aim to trigger a sanitation revolution,” he added.
Strategic Plan for Youth Engagement
Pheelangwah referenced the recently reviewed Strategic Plan, launched by the Vice President on November 19, 2024, which aligns activities with the YouthWASH strategy to accelerate progress.
“I urge all participants to seize this opportunity to share experiences, expertise, and innovative ideas. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Nigeria for future generations.”
He also acknowledged the fruitful collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, facilitated by an MoU signed on May 6, 2023, which paved the way for NYSC’s active involvement in the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, encouraged participants to contribute their unique perspectives.
“This campaign is not just about achieving targets; it is about fostering a passionate and committed community. Your involvement is crucial. Through this training, you will gain valuable insights to enhance your role in reaching communities across Nigeria.”
She urged participants to actively engage, ask questions, and collaborate, emphasizing that the fight against open defecation requires a collective effort.
Similarly, Mr. Nature Uchenna Obiakor, National President of the YouthWASH Initiative Africa, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) solutions across the continent.
“Our mission is to empower young people to address WASH challenges, drive behavioral change, and promote sustainable development. Through advocacy, capacity-building, and strategic partnerships, we equip youth with the skills, knowledge, and platforms necessary to lead impactful WASH initiatives aligned with the Clean Nigeria Campaign and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
NYSC and Private Sector Involvement
Mrs. Funmilayo Ajayi, Director-General of NYSC, represented by the Deputy Director of Education, assured NYSC’s commitment to the campaign. She urged CDS officers to intensify grassroots advocacy and community engagement.
National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, Mrs. Chizoma Opara, acknowledged that the initial 2025 ODF target was not feasible.
“Achieving the revised target of 2030 requires stronger collaboration, enhanced community engagement, and greater awareness. Jigawa State became ODF due to high-level political commitment. Other governors must emulate this approach,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for private-sector participation and international partnerships to sustain progress.
Distinct News reports that Clean Nigeria Campaign continues to drive national efforts to eradicate open defecation, with renewed commitments from government agencies, development partners, and youth organizations. Through strategic training, community mobilization, and enhanced political will, Nigeria aims to achieve an open defecation-free status by 2030.
