Katsina Achieves Open-Defecation-Free Status After Federal Certification
Hussaini Ibrahim 
KATSINA, Nigeria – Katsina State secures a major public-health milestone as the Federal Government officially declares it open-defecation-free (ODF), positioning it among Nigeria’s strongest performers in national WASH targets.
The announcement comes during the sixth anniversary of the Clean Nigeria Campaign and the 2025 World Toilet Day commemoration in Abuja on Wednesday. The certification, confirmed in a statement by the Katsina State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Bishir Gambo Saulawa, follows years of coordinated reforms across all 34 LGAs.
Dr Saulawa, who represented Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, calls the achievement “a reminder that the health and dignity of our people must remain at the centre of government action.” He says the success reflects deep collaboration between communities, traditional rulers and WASH institutions.
The national event draws federal officials, schoolchildren, development partners and civil society groups. Participants stage a sanitation awareness walk showcasing Nigeria’s progress toward eliminating open defecation, with partners praising Katsina for its rapid improvements.
According to the statement, the reforms were driven by RUWASSA, STOWASSA, SEPA and SURWASH, supported by community initiatives and behaviour-change campaigns. Officials say improved sanitation has reduced disease outbreaks and enhanced safety, especially for women and children.
Dr Saulawa stresses sustained monitoring is essential: “His Excellency remains committed to strengthening WASH systems and ensuring every community enjoys a clean and healthy environment.”
The Federal Government urges other states to accelerate action, noting that the progress in Katsina and Jigawa demonstrates the impact of strong political will and community participation.
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