23 Million Nigerians Access Better Sanitation - VP Shettima

Deputy President Kashim Shettima stated that approximately 23 million Nigerians were able to access better sanitation facilities between 201...

Deputy President Kashim Shettima stated that approximately 23 million Nigerians were able to access better sanitation facilities between 2019 and 2024 through the 'Clean Nigeria' Initiative, calling this advancement evidence of what a unified national effort can accomplish.

Shettima made this statement on Wednesday during the 6th anniversary of the 'Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet' Campaign and the 2025 World Toilet Day event in Abuja.

Led by the Special Assistant to the President for Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, Mrs. Inna Binta Audu, the Vice President mentioned that the campaign, initiated in 2019, has evolved from a concept into a country-wide initiative, with more than 150 local government areas and thousands of communities now confirmed and recognized as Open Defecation Free (ODF). He noted that two states have achieved full ODF status across their entire regions.

Over the past five years, from 2019 to 2024, approximately 23 million Nigerians have obtained better sanitation facilities thanks to the construction of numerous toilets by public, private, and community initiatives as part of this campaign. Additionally, many more individuals have been impacted through ongoing awareness and behavior modification efforts throughout the states, he stated.

The Deputy Leader highlighted that the progress achieved is not theoretical but serves as signs of optimism and collaboration. Nevertheless, he pointed out that "millions of Nigerians continue to defecate in the open," underlining the importance of renewed cooperation, effort, and responsibility to achieve the updated national goal of eradicating open defecation by 2030.

Shettima stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the updated Presidential Executive Order 009 concerning Open Defecation-Free Nigeria, which is currently being officially published. The updated order reinforces the legal and institutional structure for delivering WASH services, promotes greater involvement from the private sector, and implements more stringent monitoring, reporting, and enforcement procedures.

"It emphasizes that access to sanitation is not a privilege but a basic human right," he stated, noting that better sanitation is crucial to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Deputy Leader mentioned that the government remains focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) due to their effect on lowering illness, increasing school participation, upholding gender respect, and strengthening community strength.

Commenting on the 2025 World Toilet Day theme, "Sanitation in a Changing World," Shettima noted that climate change, urbanization, and population increase are creating additional challenges for sanitation systems throughout the nation.

"Our approach to sanitation must evolve," he said, calling for climate-smart sanitation models, resource recovery, improved waste treatment, and the adoption of innovative technologies for toilet expansion and monitoring.

He praised state governments, traditional leaders, civil society groups, development partners, community volunteers, and private sector entities for their "excellent dedication and creativity" in advancing the campaign.

The aim of achieving an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2030 is challenging yet possible. A cleaner Nigeria is not out of our reach. It is attainable if we collaborate, Shettima stated.

Previously, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, mentioned that 158 local government areas have been confirmed as ODF within the initiative.

He stated that Katsina State has recently become the most recent state to achieve nationwide ODF status, aligning with other states in spearheading the national sanitation initiative.

Utsev pointed out progress in sanitation access across the country, such as a rise in the availability of toilets in households, schools, and public areas.

He mentioned that the ministry has enhanced collaboration at national, state, and local levels, and implemented the Clean Nigeria Campaign Real-Time Information Management System to guarantee clear monitoring of developments.

He pointed out that the campaign's effectiveness depends on viewing sanitation as a key development issue that impacts health, education, productivity, and the respect and standing of women and girls.

"Let this anniversary reignite our determination. As one, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more respectful Nigeria for everyone," Utsev remarked.

The gathering united federal and state authorities, development collaborators, civil society organizations, and hygiene promoters.

Copyright 2025 Leadership. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (okay1).

Tagged: Nigeria, Water and Sanitation, West Africa, Environment

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).