By Faridat Salifu
Jigawa State has emerged as a beacon of progress in Nigeria’s quest to become open defecation-free by 2025.
With all 27 local government areas now declared open defecation-free (ODF), the state sets a precedent for others to follow in prioritizing sanitation and public health.
This remarkable achievement, impacting an estimated 6.6 million residents, reflects Jigawa’s steadfast dedication to addressing sanitation challenges head-on.
In a report by NatureNews in January 2024, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended Jigawa’s efforts, urging other states to replicate its success in eliminating open defecation.
The journey towards ODF status began on October 26, 2022, when Jigawa State received official ODF status from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources after the successful validation of the Gwaram Local Government Authority.
This milestone not only signifies progress within the state but also contributes significantly to Nigeria’s nationwide efforts to combat open defecation.
Since adopting the National ODF Roadmap in 2016, Jigawa has been a frontrunner in the battle against open defecation.
Through a holistic approach and collaboration with stakeholders at all levels, the state has implemented key strategies such as the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, market-based sanitation strategies, and evidence-based advocacy, bolstered by robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Despite facing socio-economic challenges, including a high poverty rate, Jigawa State achieved ODF status across all LGAs between 2018 and 2022, setting a precedent for other states to emulate.
Hannungiwa, a representative of the Jigawa State Government, expressed determination to surpass the nation’s ODF target by 2025, attributing the success to effective policies and programs in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Cristian Munduate, representing UNICEF in Nigeria, praised Jigawa’s achievement at the World Toilet Summit 2022, calling on other states to intensify their efforts to eradicate open defecation.
However, challenges persist in sustaining the ODF status and ensuring universal access to sanitation services.
Despite investing N500 million in toilets to combat open defecation, concerns linger regarding high usage fees and the optimal placement of facilities.
In an interview with NatureNews, Muhammed Babura, a resident of Jigawa, emphasized the importance of strategically locating and ensuring the affordability of public toilets, suggesting their placement in high-traffic areas and provision in schools and areas with Almajiri populations.
While significant progress has been made, Jigawa State recognizes the need for ongoing support and investment. The state government remains resolute in maintaining the ODF status and addressing remaining challenges.
With continued collaboration and support from stakeholders, there is optimism that Jigawa State will uphold its leadership role in the fight against open defecation, ultimately achieving a sustainable ODF environment by 2025.