The Federal Government has intensified inter-agency collaboration in the national push to eliminate open defecation, as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation pledged joint action to address the issue.
During a strategic visit to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasized the central role of the civil service in driving nationwide behavioural change and institutional compliance in sanitation.
Utsev congratulated the Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, on her recent recognition as a “Clean Nigeria Campaign Champion,” referencing her earlier role as Permanent Secretary in the Water Ministry.
“Since your departure, the campaign has gained momentum. Forty-seven additional local government areas have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF), bringing the total to 148 nationwide,” he said.
Although Jigawa remains the only state to be fully certified ODF, the Minister noted that Katsina State is close to achieving the milestone, with 33 of its 34 LGAs already certified.
Utsev warned that open defecation poses significant threats to environmental sustainability, public health, and human dignity. He urged the Head of Service to lead efforts to institutionalize sanitation across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“Your office can lead the change. We request a circular mandating the provision, proper use, and maintenance of toilets in all MDAs. Hygiene and sanitation should also be reflected in institutional performance assessments,” he added.
He also proposed the adoption of “Clean Nigeria Week” by all MDAs and the enforcement of a “No Open Defecation” policy within all federal premises.
In her response, Walson-Jack reaffirmed her full commitment to the campaign, promising that the civil service would serve as a model for implementing and scaling up sanitation standards.
She acknowledged existing challenges, including cultural resistance and funding constraints, but noted that coordinated efforts can overcome them. She disclosed that a sanitation and hygiene policy framework has been developed and awaits formal approval.
“This protocol institutionalizes toilet use in public offices. We recently commissioned a refurbished foyer with modern toilet facilities as part of this commitment,” she said.
She added that performance reviews for MDAs would include sanitation indicators, and the Clean Nigeria campaign would be promoted through citizen engagement platforms.
“The civil service is ready to lead the charge in achieving an Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2030,” she said.
