The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, on Tuesday marked the World Toilet Day 2024 with the Presidential Launch of the Revised Strategic Plan for Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign and a celebration of its 5th Anniversary.
The event, which held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja, was presided over by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who chairs the Clean Nigeria Campaign Steering Committee.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Vice President lauded the campaign’s impact since its inception in 2019.
“The Clean Nigeria Campaign has been pivotal in combating open defecation across the country. Through initiatives like the declaration of a state of emergency on open defecation and programs such as PEWASH, SURWASH, and the WASH Strategic Plan, we are witnessing steady progress toward our 2025 target,” Shettima stated.
He called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, including state and local governments, development partners, and the private sector, to sustain momentum. “This administration remains committed to prioritising sanitation and hygiene as critical components of national development,” he added.
In his address, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, highlighted key milestones achieved under Presidential Executive Order 009, which established the campaign. These include the certification of 135 local government areas (LGAs) and over 30,000 communities as Open Defecation Free (ODF), with several states and LGAs undergoing verification.
“The launch of the revised Clean Nigeria Strategic Plan is a significant step to fast-track progress. Achieving an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2025 requires sustained advocacy, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment,” Utsev said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the National Assembly and development partners, with UNICEF commending the Federal Government’s efforts on behalf of the international community.
The event’s highlights included the official launch of the Revised Strategic Plan, recognition of Clean Nigeria Champions, such as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, represented by Major General U.B. Abubakar; and the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, represented by Mrs. Tinuke Watti, and a celebration of the campaign’s 5th anniversary.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, expressed appreciation to participants, including state governors, lawmakers, development partners, and the media, for their contributions to the campaign’s success.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including representatives of state governors, National Assembly members, River Basin Authority officials, development partners, and key stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
