Shettima launches campaign to end open defecation by 2030

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

In a significant move to commemorate World Toilet Day, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched the revised Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC) Strategic Plan, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to eradicate open defecation by 2030.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Susan Akila, UNICEF Communication Specialist.

The statement said government officials, international organisations, and community leaders gathered at the State House in Abuja to emphasise the urgent need for safe and dignified sanitation for all Nigerians.

With nearly 48 million Nigerians still engaging in open defecation and less having access to safely managed sanitation services, the CNC Strategic Plan will mobilise efforts to declare all 774 local government areas (LGAs) open defecation-free (ODF) by 2030. Achieving this ambitious goal will necessitate a fourfold increase in the current rate of progress.

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima reinforced the initiative’s importance, stating, “Access to safe and clean toilets is not just about infrastructure; it is about dignity, health, and safety for all Nigerians. We are committed to ensuring that no one falls behind in our journey to end open defecation, as evidenced by this strategic plan. We urge all levels of government and partners to work collaboratively for this goal.”

“Sanitation is a cornerstone of public health and development. The launch of the revised CNC Strategic Plan marks a pivotal step forward in addressing Nigeria’s sanitation challenges. We commend the progress made but recognise that we need to act swiftly and with greater coordination to achieve universal sanitation access by 2030.” The Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, emphasized.

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, remarked, “Sanitation is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. This strategic plan is essential for protecting public health and empowering communities. We must rally around this initiative to secure a future that is healthier and more dignified.”

The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society, and the private sector, to prioritise sanitation. Planned activities include media outreach, community-level awareness campaigns, and showcases of innovative solutions in sanitation.