The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, on Tuesday launched a Revised Strategic Plan for the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

Funmi Imuetinyan Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in a statement, on Tuesday, said the event coincided with the 5th anniversary of the campaign and was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President.

The Vice President lauded the campaign’s achievements since its launch in 2019, describing it as pivotal in combating open defecation.

“Through initiatives like the declaration of a state of emergency on open defecation and programs such as PEWASH, SURWASH, and the WASH Strategic Plan, we are witnessing steady progress toward our 2025 target,” Shettima said.

He called for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, emphasizing sanitation and hygiene as critical components of national development.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed that 135 LGAs and over 30,000 communities have been certified as ODF under Presidential Executive Order 009.

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“The launch of the revised Clean Nigeria Strategic Plan is a significant step to fast-track progress. Achieving an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2025 requires sustained advocacy, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment,” the Minister stated.

Goodwill messages were delivered by development partners, with UNICEF commending the Federal Government’s efforts on behalf of the international community.

The event featured the official launch of the Revised Strategic Plan, recognition of Clean Nigeria Champions—including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack—and a celebration of the campaign’s fifth anniversary.

In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including state governors, lawmakers, and development partners, for their contributions to the campaign’s success.

The event attracted dignitaries from across the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, underscoring the importance of the campaign in Nigeria’s journey toward improved sanitation and hygiene.