The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) to fast-track Nigeria’s journey toward eliminating open defecation by 2030.
Prof. Utsev made this appeal during an advocacy and sensitization visit to the Head of Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, on Tuesday in Abuja. The visit, he noted, was not only to congratulate Dr. Walson-Jack on her elevation but also to strengthen partnership on sanitation reforms, leveraging her previous role as Permanent Secretary and Sanitation Ambassador in the Ministry.
“We are here not just to celebrate one of our own but to consolidate efforts in advancing the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign,” Utsev stated, commending Walson-Jack’s sustained advocacy for nationwide sanitation improvements.
Updating progress on the campaign, the Minister disclosed that 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, with Jigawa as the only certified ODF state, while Katsina follows closely with 33 of 34 LGAs reaching ODF status. He stressed the need for both infrastructure provision and behavioural change, urging MDAs to maintain functional, inclusive toilets and integrate sanitation metrics into institutional performance reviews.
In her response, Dr. Walson-Jack reaffirmed her office’s commitment to championing the campaign, noting that strong institutional collaboration remains critical.
She announced the development of a Policy Protocol on the Use of Federal Secretariat Buildings—currently awaiting Federal Executive Council approval—which sets mandatory sanitation standards and ensures disability-friendly toilet access in all government facilities.
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“The journey is challenging, but with consistent partnerships, we can make Nigeria open defecation-free,” she said, citing the recent commissioning of remodeled reception areas and toilets for persons with disabilities as part of ongoing reforms.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Permanent Secretaries from the HoCSF’s office, and the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign. The visit featured the signing of the visitor’s register, gift exchange, and a facility tour of the upgraded Servicom Office.
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