By Bisola Adeyemo
The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, has presented certificates to 14 local government areas which were declared free from open defecation in Jigawa State.
According to him, about 46 million Nigerians who do not have access to toilets practice open defecation in the country, Daily Post reported.
“The rollout of the partnership for expanding water sanitation and hygiene program, the presidential launch of the National action plan, declaration of a state of emergency in the sector, implementation of clean Nigeria use the toilet campaign and executive order Number 9 are some of the Sector initiatives to address the situation,” he said.
“To achieve total eradication by 2025, Nigeria must ensure that households are mobilized to provide their sanitation facilities.
“To end open defecation it requires contribution and commitment from everyone, Governments at all levels, CSOs, private sectors and development partners must be involved.
“Jigawa State is the first state in the country to have fourteen local Governments that are free from open defecation,” he said.
Governor Badaru Abubakar reassured that the state government is committed to continue providing potable water, safe and clean environment.
He, however appreciated the contributions of International donor agencies especially United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund and British Department for International Development on Water Sanitation and Hygiene.