The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev has called for more commitment and collaborative efforts from critical stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector to end open defecation in the country.
He made the call on Friday in Abuja at a press briefing as part of activities marking commemoration of World Toilet Day, which holds on the 19th of November every year and celebration of the 5th anniversary of the Clean Nigeria:Use the Toilet Campaign.
The Minister explained that significant success has been recorded since the launch of the campaign with 11.5 million decent toilets constructed in different communities across the country, with 135 local governments in the country attaining Open Defecation Free status and 30,000 communities certified ODF and many more at the verge of being certified ODF.
He however said despite the success,the target of achieving open defecation free Nigeria by next year seems to be difficult and there was a compelling need for all critical stakeholders in the sector including development partners to identify and strategize the critical elements that will progressively increase awareness.
According to a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Terhemen Oraduen, Professor Utsev, said it was to accelerate the drive towards achieving an Open Defecation Free Nigeria that the Federal Government is launching a Strategic Plan on the 19th of this month which coincides with the World Toilet Day.
He explained that the launch of the Strategic Plan which is expected to have Governors of the 36 states and other critical stakeholders in the sanitation sector in attendance, will trigger the needed commitment at the sub-national level that would mobilise households, relevant government institutions and private sector to supply sanitation facilities in homes and improve access to WASH services in public places.
The Minister, who acknowledged the firm support and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to ensure the success of the campaign, thanked UNICEF, Civil Societies,the private sector and communities who have expressed support and shown some commitment by providing technical and financial assistance towards ensuring a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.
He appealed to states, local governments and entire citizens of the country to see themselves as ambassadors and change agents to achieve a clean Nigeria and call on the media to join the advocacy of sharing the goals and progress of the campaign with communities across the country as a deliberate means of raising awareness to achieve the SDG goal six targets by the year 2030.