Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, Thursday said over 46 million Nigerians who do not have access to toilets practise open defecation in the country.
He disclosed this while presenting certificates to 14 local governments declared free from open defecation in Jigawa State.
The minister said Nigeria needs to do more to eliminate open defecation and achieve 100% access to sanitation and hygiene in the country.
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He said the Ministry is strongly committed to collaborative efforts to address the problem.
Adamu said, “The rollout of the partnership for expanding water sanitation and hygiene program, the presidential launch of the National action plan, declaration of a state of emergency in the sector, implementation of clean Nigeria use the toilet campaign and executive order Number 9 are some of the Sector initiatives to address the situation.”
The Minister however noted that to achieve the national target of ending open defecation in Nigeria by 2025, Nigeria must ensure that households are mobilized to provide their sanitation facilities.
Also, he said relevant institutions and private sectors should 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 the state government is committed to continuing to provide potable water, safe and clean environment.
He, however, appreciated the contributions of International donor agencies especially the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund and the British Department for International Development on Water Sanitation and Hygiene.