FG declares eight more LGs open defecation-free

The Federal Government has declared eight additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) open defecation-free (ODF), bolstering the nation’s efforts to eradicate open defecation by 2030.

This announcement was made by the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) during its monthly meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, confirmed the declaration, stating, “The NTGS, which includes various government ministries, agencies, development partners, and NGOs, validated the ODF status of these LGAs during our session.”

The newly declared ODF LGAs include Kiru, Bagwai, Dawakin Tofa, Gaya, Shanono, Gabasawa, and Ungogo from Kano State, as well as Shanga LGA from Kebbi State.

According to a statement from Funmi Imuetinyan, the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, the total number of ODF LGAs in Nigeria has now increased to 134.

“This milestone underscores the ongoing efforts to improve public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability across the country,” the statement read.

The declaration is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to achieve its national ODF target, which is integral to the Federal Government’s agenda for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programmes aimed at combating waterborne diseases and enhancing public health.