The Federal Government (FG) has renewed its commitment to eradicating open defecation across the country, emphasising the need for intensified efforts from all stakeholders.
Speaking at a Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja ahead of World Toilet Day in 19nNovember, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, outlined significant strides and remaining challenges in achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) Nigeria by 2025.
Mr Utsev disclosed that since the launch of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign in 2019, 135 local government areas (LGAs) and over 30,000 communities have attained ODF status.
However, he acknowledged that achieving the 2025 target requires a strategic reassessment of advocacy, awareness, and stakeholder collaboration.

The Minister announced the forthcoming launch of the Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan, coinciding with the campaign’s 5th Anniversary and World Toilet Day, themed “Sanitation for Peace.”
This plan, set to be unveiled by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, provides a comprehensive roadmap for attaining universal sanitation access by 2030.
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“This plan requires robust collaboration from state and local governments, international partners, the private sector, civil society, and the media,” Mr Utsev said.
He stressed the critical health and environmental impacts of open defecation, which contaminates water sources, spreads diseases, and disproportionately affects women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
To tackle these challenges, he said the FG has implemented several initiatives: declaration of a state of emergency in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector, a national action plan to revitalize WASH efforts nationwide and a Partnership for expanded water, sanitation, and hygiene (PEWASH) programme.Others are sustainable urban and rural water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (SURWASH) programmes, and Presidential Executive Order 009 mandating an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2025.
The Minister added that as part of this year’s World Toilet Day activities, key events include: the launch of state ODF roadmaps and recognition of ODF LGAs in Borno State, celebrations in Kwali Area Council (FCT) and Ikenne (Ogun State) and decoration of stakeholders as WASH Ambassadors.
Mr Utsev commended government agencies, development partners, and local communities for their support and urged Nigerians to act as ambassadors for the campaign.
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“Achieving an Open Defecation Free Nigeria is a collective responsibility,” he noted.
The Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, also lauded the progress made and called for sustained efforts to achieve the 2025 goal.
The event was attended by notable stakeholders, including UNICEF Chief of WASH Dr Jane Bevan, WaterAid Nigeria representatives, water experts, and Ministry Directors.