Eight Additional LGAs Declared Open Defecation-Free
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced that the National Task Group on Sanitation has declared eight additional Local Government Areas open defecation-free. This significant achievement marks a critical step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve the national ODF target by 2030.
The newly declared ODF LGAs include Kiru, Bagwai, Dawakin Tofa, Gaya, Shanono, Gabasawa, and Ungogo in Kano State, as well as Shanga in Kebbi State, bringing the total number of ODF LGAs in the country to 134.
Despite the progress, Minister Utsev highlighted that about 48 million Nigerians still engage in open defecation, emphasizing the urgent need for more public toilets and hand-washing facilities. The government aims to build one million public toilets across the country’s six geo-political zones to address this issue.
The inclusion of these eight LGAs as ODF showcases Nigeria’s commitment to improving public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability nationwide.