Nigeria unveils Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan, aiming for an open defecation-free nation by 2030 with focus on sanitation and dignity.
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to launch the **Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan** next Tuesday, accelerating efforts to achieve the country’s target of becoming Open Defecation-Free (ODF) by 2030.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, during a press briefing in Abuja.
The launch coincides with the 2024 World Toilet Day (WTD), themed *“Toilets: A Place for Peace.”* The event aims to inspire action against the global sanitation crisis, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which promises universal sanitation access by 2030.
Utsev revealed that 135 local government areas (LGAs) across Nigeria have attained ODF status. However, significant work remains, with the ministry implementing a range of initiatives such as:
– Development of a National Action Plan for the water and sanitation sector.
– Partnerships under the Expanded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme.
– Execution of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation initiative.
– The ongoing *“Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet”* campaign, bolstered by Presidential Executive Order 009 to end open defecation by 2025.
“The Strategic Plan for the Clean Nigeria Campaign outlines our path to a clean Nigeria where everyone will have reasonable access to a toilet by the year 2030,” the minister stated, adding that the campaign requires active advocacy and stakeholder engagement to mobilise political and financial support, particularly at the sub-national level.
Key events scheduled for the launch include:
– The unveiling of the Clean Nigeria Campaign Strategic Plan by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja.
– A commemoration event in Kano State, jointly hosted by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
– Celebrations of ODF communities, including Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory and Ikenne in Ogun State.
– Decorations of prominent WASH ambassadors, including the wife of the Anambra State Governor and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The minister highlighted that these activities aim to strengthen commitments to sanitation advocacy, encourage private sector participation, and improve access to sanitation facilities in homes and workplaces.
Since the campaign’s launch in 2019, about 11.58 million toilets have been constructed nationwide. Over 30,000 communities have been certified ODF, with more LGAs undergoing verification. However, challenges remain in meeting the 2025 ODF target, necessitating a re-strategising of advocacy efforts and resource mobilisation.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring safe and dignified sanitation facilities for all Nigerians.
“Our commitment goes beyond launching a plan—it’s about creating a future where every Nigerian has access to dignified sanitation facilities,” Pheelangwah emphasised.
The Clean Nigeria Campaign represents a significant milestone in addressing Nigeria’s sanitation crisis, demonstrating a nationwide push towards healthier, more sustainable living conditions.
