By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has appealed to the Head of the Civil Service to formally integrate support for the Clean Nigeria Campaign into the operations of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev, tendered the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Walson-Jack, in Abuja on Tuesday.

He congratulated Walson-Jack on her elevation and praised her contributions to the Clean Nigeria Campaign, including her recognition as a Clean Nigeria Champion in 2023.

Utsev said the Clean Nigeria Campaign, launched in 2019, aims to end open defecation by 2030 and achieve SDG 6.2 on equitable sanitation and hygiene.

“As of today, 148 local government areas have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), with Jigawa achieving full ODF status.

“Katsina state is also close, with 33 out of 34 LGAs already certified,” he said.

The minister stressed that civil servants are strategically positioned to influence public behaviour and policy implementation and can play a leading role in advancing sanitation and hygiene practices across workplaces.

“We are appealing to the Head of Service to support the campaign by issuing administrative circulars mandating the provision, maintenance, and use of adequate toilet facilities in all MDAs,” he said.

He also proposed the inclusion of sanitation and hygiene indicators in MDA performance assessments and recommended the introduction of a Clean Nigeria Campaign Week across the civil service to foster behavioural change.

Utsev emphasised that solving Nigeria’s sanitation challenges goes beyond infrastructure.

“We must change mindsets and promote consistent, safe, and dignified use of sanitation facilities.

“This is crucial to reducing waterborne diseases and improving public health outcomes,” he added.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Head of Civil Service to mobilise the federal workforce in support of the campaign.

“We believe that with strong institutional backing, we can achieve a Nigeria where no citizen is left behind in access to safe sanitation. Together, we can protect the health, dignity, and future of our people,” he said.

Responding, Walson-Jack, emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving the campaign’s goals.

She reaffirmed her office’s support for the Clean Nigeria Campaign and praised the ministry’s progress.

“I want to commend the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary on the progress made so far.

“From your report, since I left the ministry less than two years ago, 47 additional LGAs have been declared open defecation-free.

“While this is commendable, we must not lose sight of the larger goal. We need to roll up our sleeves and work even harder,” she said.

She described herself as a proud member of the “Water Family” and pledged her continued personal and institutional commitment to the campaign.

“I am pleased that this next phase of advocacy and sensitisation is beginning in this office. You can be rest assured that my office and I will provide every support possible,” she added.

Walson-Jack acknowledged the campaign’s major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, limited funding, cultural resistance, and lack of awareness in rural areas.

However, she expressed optimism that such obstacles could be addressed through strong institutional collaboration.

“Collaboration and partnership remain the most critical tools to achieving the 2030 target. I believe the Honourable Minister has already taken the right steps in that direction,” she said.

She also disclosed that her office had developed a Policy Protocol on the Use of Federal Secretariat Buildings, which includes sanitation standards and guidelines to ensure inclusive toilet access, especially for persons with disabilities.

“The policy is currently awaiting necessary concurrences before submission to the Federal Executive Council. Once approved, it will guarantee clean, functional, and accessible toilets in government facilities,” she said.

She added that the Office of the Head of Service had recently commissioned a remodelled foyer and reception area with retrofitted toilets to serve persons with disabilities.

“Our vision is to treat our facilities, especially our toilets, with the same level of dignity and importance as if they were new. We must lead by example,” she concluded.

Walson-Jack urged all MDAs to embrace the Clean Nigeria Campaign and commit to creating a cleaner, healthier, and open defecation-free Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim