By Abdullahi Lukman
Nigeria is accelerating its push for improved sanitation, marking the 6th anniversary of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign with renewed focus on achieving nationwide Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status by 2030.
The Clean Nigeria commemoration, which coincided with the 2025 World Toilet Day, highlighted recent milestones in public health and community-led sanitation.
The event, held in Abuja, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society groups, and private sector stakeholders.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Special Adviser, Mrs. Inna Binta Audu, announced the gazetting of the revised Presidential Executive Order 009 on Open Defecation-Free Nigeria, strengthening legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and private sector involvement in sanitation initiatives.
Katsina State was recognised as the second state in Nigeria to achieve full ODF status, joining ongoing progress across 158 ODF Local Government Areas.
The Vice President and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed that millions of toilets have been constructed and around 23 million Nigerians now have access to improved sanitation, but noted that substantial work remains to achieve national targets.
First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Ambassador Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, called for expanded community-led sanitation programs, climate-resilient sanitation systems, and increased private sector engagement.
Several states, local governments, and civil society organisations received awards for their contributions, while special recognition was given for innovation, youth involvement, and gender inclusion.
The event underscored the government’s commitment to making sanitation a national priority, highlighting its impact on health, education, productivity, and the dignity of women and girls.
Officials called for continued collaboration, innovation, and investment to ensure Nigeria meets its goal of becoming fully ODF by 2030.
