FG commits to ending open defecation in Nigeria

Katsina shines, celebrates ODF victory

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to ending open defecation nationwide as the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign marked its 6th anniversary in Abuja.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, said the country continues to make notable progress, with 158 Local Government Areas now Open Defecation Free (ODF) and Katsina State achieving full state-wide ODF status. He attributed the gains to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of states, LGAs, development partners and civil society.

Utsev, who described sanitation as a key development issue, urged stakeholders to intensify efforts and adopt innovative solutions to accelerate results. He also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima and traditional and private-sector actors for sustaining the national drive.

Meanwhile, Katsina State emerged a major highlight of the celebration as it received an ODF award on 2025 World Toilet Day. The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa, said the recognition has brought great pride to Governor Dikko Radda and the people of the state.

Saulawa said the milestone was achieved through community commitment, strong political will, and full implementation of the state’s WASH policy under the Dikko Agenda. He assured that the state would maintain the feat, stressing that sustainability is already embedded in its WASH framework.

He praised WASH coordinators across LGAs, council chairmen, development partners and the Federal Ministry for providing the technical backbone that helped the state reach ODF status—a legacy Katsina is determined to protect.