By Abbas Nazil
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, has called for a renewed and strategic partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) to strengthen the ongoing Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign aimed at making Nigeria open defecation-free by 2030.
Prof. Utsev made this appeal during an advocacy and sensitization visit to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Obasanjo Hall in Abuja.
He led the Ministry’s top management team to celebrate Dr. Walson-Jack’s elevation and to consolidate on her legacy as a Permanent Secretary and a Sanitation Ambassador in the same ministry.
The Minister emphasized that her new position presents an opportunity to deepen institutional commitment and accountability in the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
He acknowledged her previous contributions to the sanitation sector and stressed the importance of building upon the achievements recorded during her tenure.
Prof. Utsev reported that 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have so far attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status nationwide, with Jigawa State being the only state fully certified as ODF.
Katsina State, he added, is closely following, with 33 of its 34 LGAs already declared ODF.
He emphasized the need for both physical infrastructure and behavioral change to drive the campaign forward.
To achieve this, he proposed a strategic roadmap that includes providing sanitation facilities across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), integrating hygiene indicators into performance assessments, raising awareness on sanitation responsibility among the civil service workforce, and ensuring the maintenance of clean, accessible, and disability-friendly toilets in all government offices.
Dr. (Mrs.) Walson-Jack, in her response, reaffirmed her commitment to using her office to advance the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
She emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and commended the Ministry for achieving 47 additional ODF LGAs since her departure less than two years ago.
She acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism that with stronger institutional collaboration and advocacy, the nation’s sanitation goals are achievable.
The HoCSF announced that her office had developed a Policy Protocol on the Use of Federal Secretariat Buildings, aimed at setting sanitation standards and ensuring inclusive toilet access, particularly for persons with disabilities.
This policy, which is currently awaiting concurrence before being presented to the Federal Executive Council, is expected to significantly improve sanitation standards in public offices once approved.
Dr. Walson-Jack also referenced recent achievements, including the commissioning of a remodelled foyer and reception area fitted with retrofitted toilets to accommodate persons with disabilities.
She called on all MDAs to maintain high standards in government facilities and show collective support for the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
She pledged to feature the campaign prominently in her office’s activities to promote a cleaner and healthier nation.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; other Permanent Secretaries in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service; Directors from both offices; and the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
The visit concluded with the signing of the Visitor’s Register, exchange of goodwill gifts, and a guided tour of the newly remodelled Servicom Office and Reception area.
