Bala Ibrahim
Federal Government says over 46 million Nigeriains don’t have access to toilet are therefore practicing open defecation in the country.
Minister of water resources Engr Sulieman Adamu disclosed this while presenting certificate to fourteen local Governments declared free from open defecation in Jigawa State.
He said with current estimation over 46million Nigeriains don’t have access to toilet and National sanity access of 44%.
The minister said Nigeria need to do more to eliminate open defecation and achieve 100% access to sanitation and hygiene in the country.
He said the Ministry is strongly committed to collaborative effort to address the problem.
“The rollout of the partnership for expanding water sanitation and hygiene program, presidential lunch of the National action plan, declaration of state of emergency in the sector, implementation the clean Nigeria use the toilet campaign and executive order Number 9 are some of the Sector initiatives to address the situation” Adamu said.
The Minister however noted that to achieve National target of ending open defecation in Nigeria by 2025 Nigeria must ensure that house holds are mobilized to provide their sanitation facilities.
Also relevant institutions and private sectors provide sanitation facilities in public places.
“To end open defecation it requires contribution and commitment from everyone, Governments at all levels,CSOs, private sectors and development partners” the minister said.
He said Jigawa state is the first state in the country to have fourteen local Governments that are free from open defecation.
Governor Badaru Abubakar reassured state government commitment to continue providing portable water, safe and clean environment.
He however appreciated the contributions of International donor agencies especially United Nations children education fund and British Department for International Development on water sanitation and Hygiene.
WASH Manager at UNICEF Kano Field Office Rafid Salih said validation is not the end of the journey toward Open Defecation Free (ODF), it is rather a landmark, while the target is to protect the health of the children, whom are the future of Jigawa sate and Nigeria, and provide healthy Environment.
Said sustainability of the ODF as important to maintain the healthy environment for children.
Rafid therefore appeal to the government, traditional leaders, religious leader and the communities to commit to this achievement.
“We appeal to the state government of Jigawa to increase investment, not only on ODF, rather in water sanitation and hygiene for children as it has great effect on children health”
He noted that investment in WASH significantly reduce the investment in health as WASH is prevention of diseases.
