The Federal Government has hinted at launching a renewed strategic plan to strengthen the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

The campaign, which began in 2019, seeks to eliminate open defecation nationwide by 2025. However, persistent challenges threaten this ambitious target.

Speaking during a ministerial press briefing, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, described open defecation as a menace undermining public health, water quality, education, and productivity, particularly affecting women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

He revealed that while 135 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, significant efforts are still required to bridge existing gaps and meet the campaign’s goal.

According to him, the Strategic Plan offers a framework to extend the campaign’s goals to achieve universal toilet access by 2030.

Utsev stressed the need for greater collaboration among stakeholders, including state governors, local government chairpersons, legislators, development partners, and the private sector, to accelerate progress.

He underscored the profound benefits of ending open defecation, noting that improved sanitation would enhance public health, boost economic productivity, and restore the dignity of Nigerians.

This year’s World Toilet Day, themed “Sanitation for Peace,” emphasises the transformative role of sanitation in promoting safety and development.

The commemorative activities, which include the launch of the Strategic Plan by Vice President Kashim Shettima, will serve as a platform to reinvigorate national efforts and galvanise support for the campaign.

He said the celebrations will also highlight the achievements of Open Defecation Free communities and the recognition of prominent sanitation advocates as WASH Ambassadors.

Utsev said despite the campaign’s successes, including over 30,000 communities certified as ODF, the minister acknowledged the need for intensified advocacy to address lingering challenges.

He called on the media to amplify the campaign’s message, urging Nigerians to act as change agents in realising the objectives of Executive Order 009 on Open Defecation Free Nigeria.

He said with time running out to meet the 2025 target, the Federal Government’s renewed strategy is a call to action for all Nigerians to work together in making open defecation a thing of the past, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified future.