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Katsina State was on Wednesday declared 2025 Open Defecation Free Champion.
It got award and trophy for the feat in Abuja during the Clean Nigeria Campaign 6th Anniversary and 2025 World Toilet Day Commemoration.
The only other state that had previously been declared ODF Nigeria is Jigawa.
The Katsina state on Wednesday also won award been the state with the highest local government areas that attained the ODF status in 2025.
In total, 15 local governments in 15 states were able to achieve the ODF status within the period including Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta States.
Other states whose local government attained the ODF status are Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Yobe Sokoto and Zamfara.
The Fìrst Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of Nigerian Governors' Wives Forum , Olufolake Abdulrasaq, received awards at the occasion for the state for its consistent budget allocation and financing Sanitation, and changing the poor narrative of the North Central States.
Other states that received other awards at the ceremony included Jigawa, Cross River, Benue, and Anambra.
Non-State actors also received various awards for promoting Sanitation and cleanliness in Nigeria.
Speaking at the occasion, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, maintained that the goal of achieving an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2030 is ambitious but achievable.
He said with renewed commitment from all the stakeholders, they can Nigeria ODF by 2030 a reality.
Represented at the occasion by the Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, Inna Binta Audu, the Vice President said "As we mark the 6th anniversary and celebrate World Toilet Day, we also take pride in recognising those who have been champions of progress.
"We celebrate our State and Local Governments, traditional institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community volunteers, and private sector partners who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and innovation in the implementation of the Campaign.
"To all our award recipients, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your dedication has inspired progress and proven that leadership and service, at every level, truly make a difference.
"Let this recognition be a call to action for others to step forward, to act and to lead.
"As we look to the future, our call to action is clear: Let us accelerate our pace, deepen collaboration, and strengthen investment in sanitation infrastructure, hygiene promotion, and climate-resilient WASH services.
"Let us make every household, school, health centre, and public space a place of dignity and cleanliness. The goal of an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2030 is ambitious but achievable, and with renewed commitment from all of us gathered here today, we can and we will make it a reality."he stated
Being the Chairman of the Clean Nigeria Campaign Steering Committee, he also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to lead the effort with renewed vigour and accountability.
"Distinguished guests, let this anniversary and World Toilet Day remind us that sanitation in a changing world demands innovation, inclusion, and sustained political will.
“Let us leave this hall re-energised, to translate policy into impact, and commitment into lasting change. A cleaner Nigeria is not beyond our reach. It is within our grasp if we work together with unity of purpose and continuity of effort.
"Together, let us build a Clean Nigeria, a nation where every child grows up healthy, every woman lives with dignity, and every community thrives in cleanliness and pride." the Vice President said
He noted that as at 2019 the Clean Nigeria Campaign was conceived as a people-driven movement, that would mobilise citizens, communities, and institutions across all levels of government to work collectively toward one national goal: an Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025.
According to him, the key milestones recorded in the past 6 years include "Over 150 Local Government Areas and thousands of communities have been verified and declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), including 2 State-wide ODF status.
"With millions of toilets constructed through public, private, and community efforts, an estimated 23 million Nigerians have gained access to improved sanitation between 2019 and 2024 in the course of this campaign.
"Also, millions of Nigerians have been reached through sustained advocacy and sanitation behaviour-change campaigns across our States.
"These are not abstract achievements. They are signs of hope, progress, and the power of partnership. It is proof that when Nigerians unite around a common purpose, we can achieve extraordinary results."
The Vice President, however acknowledged that the task ahead remains substantial, as millions of Nigerians still defecate in the open, posing threats to health, dignity,
“Despite this, our revised 2030 target is within reach, but it will require renewed energy, strong coordination, and accountability at all levels."
Delivering welcome address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, said the gathering is not only to celebrate progress but to reaffirm collective commitment to ending open defecation and ensuring sustainable sanitation for all Nigerians.
The Minister said "The journey has not been without challenges, but it has also been marked by remarkable milestones that inspire confidence in our shared vision.
"Through the unwavering leadership of the Federal Government led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the strong collaboration with States, Local Governments, and our partners, we have witnessed significant improvements in sanitation access across the country.
"The number of open defecation-free Local Government Areas has continued to rise, and we have 158 ODF LGAs to date. We recently recorded another State-wide ODF status in Katsina State."
He said that under the Campaign, millions of Nigerians have gained access to safe and dignified toilets in homes, schools, and public places.
The Minister added that horizontal and vertical coordination among stakeholders from national to state and LGA levels is being strengthened.
"The Clean Nigeria Campaign Real-Time Information Management System has been deployed for transparent monitoring and reporting, while there are ongoing capacity building initiatives to equip local champions for sustainability."
According to him, the success achieved has been driven by the recognition that sanitation is not merely a health issue, but a development imperative.
"It affects education, productivity, the dignity of women and girls, and the overall well-being.
"As we mark this 6th anniversary, we are reminded that much remains to be done. We need to intensify our efforts, strengthen partnerships, and deploy innovative financing and technologies to accelerate progress.
"The task before us is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location or status, has access to safe sanitation facilities and practices proper hygiene." he stated