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…Targets 1m Nigerians in nationwide hygiene drive
The Federal Government has given states six months to develop and implement concrete hand hygiene action plans to prevent infectious diseases and improve public health.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, gave the directive on during the commemoration of the 2026 Global Handwashing Day at Kwali Area Council, Abuja, with the theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero!”
Utsev urged each state to identify at least one practical hand hygiene intervention for implementation within six months, supported by clear responsibilities, adequate funding and effective monitoring mechanisms.
He described handwashing with soap and water as one of the simplest, cheapest and most effective ways of preventing cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The minister called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, schools, civil society organisations, the private sector, the media and community leaders to promote sustainable hygiene practices.
He also advocated the establishment of school hygiene clubs, support for student hygiene champions and the provision of functional handwashing facilities, soap and clean water in schools, healthcare centres, markets and other public places.
Utsev disclosed that the planned national hand hygiene campaign would target approximately one million Nigerians through physical and digital activities.
He added that a proposed national roundtable would enable states to share experiences, showcase innovations and strengthen commitments to improved hygiene practices.
Addressing students and young people, the minister urged them to embrace regular handwashing, educate their peers and promote cleanliness in their homes, schools and communities.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving water supply, sanitation and hygiene services nationwide, stressing that the impact of the commemoration would depend on sustained action beyond the celebration.
“Be a Handwashing Hero—not only today, but every day!” he declared.
In his welcome address, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ali Ibrahim Dallah, represented by the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Habu Jamilu, urged stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and take practical steps to promote lasting hygiene habits.
He emphasised the need for functional handwashing facilities, clean water and soap in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other public places.
Dallah also urged stakeholders to leverage the commemoration to advance the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme (SURWASH) Hygiene Acceleration Agenda through stronger partnerships, innovation and measurable commitments.
The Etsu Kwali, HRH Ayedoo Luka Nizasan III, described handwashing as a simple but effective way to prevent infectious diseases and improve life expectancy.
He said handwashing was part of the community’s traditional upbringing and urged residents to revive the practice as a daily habit.
The traditional ruler called on schools, households, markets, offices and public institutions to provide convenient handwashing facilities, while urging district heads and community leaders to promote proper hygiene in their communities.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of the Kwali Area Council, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ministry of Education, UNICEF and the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) stressed the importance of regular handwashing in preventing diseases and protecting public health.
The Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Nuhu Daniel Kwali, represented by the Vice Chairman, Ramatu Abdullahi Ramadi, commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, UNICEF, FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and SURWASH for supporting improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene services in the area.
In her vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary of FCT RUWASSA, Joice Echoke, appreciated the ministry, UNICEF, Kwali Area Council and other partners for their support.
She urged participants to sustain handwashing practices beyond the event and encouraged parents, teachers and community leaders to champion behavioural change.
The event featured the recognition and induction of peer hygiene advocates and heroes, drama presentations, a symbolic handwashing exercise by dignitaries and an exhibition of practical handwashing solutions.
