The Federal Government has, on Friday, 31st October 2025, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to achieving an Open Defecation-Free (ODF) Nigeria by 2030, with renewed focus on grassroots advocacy and collaboration with traditional institutions.
This commitment was demonstrated during an advocacy visit to Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, led by the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC), Mrs. C. N. Opara, and the National Coordinator of the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), Mrs. J. U. Wakaso.
The delegation was warmly received by the Representative of the Nasarawa State Governor and Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Aga Muluku; His Royal Highness, Justice Lawal Musa Nagogo, MFR, the Oriye Rindre and President of the Wamba Traditional Council; and the Chairman of Wamba Local Government Area, Honourable Ezekiel Musa Jaga.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, represented by Commissioner Muluku, commended the Clean Nigeria Campaign team for choosing Wamba as a focal point for community engagement.
“Health and wealth begin with a clean environment and access to safe water,” he said, urging communities to abandon open defecation and adopt hygiene-friendly lifestyles.
Governor Sule outlined key interventions by the Nasarawa State Government to address the challenge, including; the declaration of a State of Emergency on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in 2021; Sanitation-focused programmes in Keffi, Keana, and Wamba LGAs, the construction of 226 solar-powered boreholes across rural communities under the PEWASH initiative as well as the rehabilitation of over 300 boreholes under the Sanitation Intervention Programme.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to clean water and sanitation facilities, urging traditional leaders and citizens to sustain the campaign.
The Governor commended the Clean Nigeria Campaign team for identifying with Wamba LGA during the Advocacy visit to HRH and council of Chiefs.
In her remarks, Mrs. C. N. Opara, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, commended the Nasarawa State Government and the people of Wamba for their enthusiasm and collaboration.
She explained that the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, launched in 2019, aims to eliminate open defecation nationwide by promoting public health and human dignity.
“The Campaign has a steering committee chaired by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment,” Opara stated.
She revealed that 158 local government areas across 22 states have achieved ODF status, with Jigawa and Katsina States leading the progress. She expressed optimism that Nasarawa State will soon join their ranks, starting with Wamba.
Also speaking, Mrs. J. U. Wakaso, National Coordinator of PEWASH, called on traditional rulers to intensify community sensitization and encourage households to build and use toilets.
Responding, His Royal Highness, Justice Lawal Musa Nagogo, described the advocacy visit as “timely and impactful”, pledging the full support of the Wamba Traditional Council to ensure the community achieves ODF status.
Similarly, the Chairman of Wamba Local Government Area, Honourable Ezekiel Musa Jaga, pledged to take ownership of the initiative and ensure effective implementation, expressing gratitude to both the Federal and State Governments for selecting Wamba as a key beneficiary.
Signed:
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information & Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
Date: October 31, 2025