The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has stated that Nigeria needs an extra 11.6 million toilets to achieve its goal of being Open Defecation-Free (ODF) by 2030.
During a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Utsev announced that the Federal Government is set to unveil the Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan next week to expedite advancements in achieving universal sanitation.
The event set for November 19 aligns with the observance of World Toilet Day 2024, which is themed “Toilets: A Place for Peace.”
The minister announced that considerable progress has been achieved since the campaign began in 2019, with over 11.58 million toilets built, 135 local government areas, and more than 30,000 communities attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Nevertheless, he emphasized that simply constructing toilets is not enough to eradicate open defecation.
“It’s not just about toilets; it’s about improving health, increasing productivity, and fostering the dignity and safety of our citizens,” Utsev stated.
He stressed that raising awareness and changing behaviours are just as important as improving infrastructure to tackle the problem. He noted that many communities continue to struggle with the adoption and regular use of sanitation facilities.
“The yearly budget allocated for this initiative is N10 billion; however, only N5 billion has been disbursed to date. Even with the funding gap, organizations such as UNICEF have been crucial in offering resources and training,” he said.
The minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their guidance and assistance, while encouraging governors, community leaders, and private sector stakeholders to enhance their collaboration.
Following the revival of the Clean Nigeria Campaign strategy, Utsev expressed optimism that improved collaboration among stakeholders would help Nigeria achieve its interim target for 2025 and the overall goal for 2030.
Utsev emphasized that while our partners have played a crucial role, attaining universal sanitation requires a renewed dedication from all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and local communities.
He urged the media to enhance awareness campaigns and contribute to promoting behavioural change across all levels.
“Eliminating open defecation is essential for enhancing public health, safety, and dignity. By working together, we can create a cleaner and healthier Nigeria,” he stated in conclusion.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to initiate the rollout of the strategic plan on Tuesday, emphasizing the government’s dedication to engaging stakeholders in achieving the national ODF goal.
