To meet Nigeria’s 2030 target for ending open defecation, the Federal Government has taken its national campaign to religious institutions, seeking their support in driving behavoural change.

As part of this effort, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, paid a visit to The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, urging the church to play an active role in spreading awareness.

Utsev emphasized the importance of religious institutions in promoting sanitation and behavioural change within their congregations.

He encouraged churches to maintain proper sanitation facilities and incorporate messages on hygiene into their teachings.

The minister also pledged the government’s technical support to ensure success, noting that the church has a broad reach in influencing public attitudes.

He urged the Catholic Bishops’ Conference to integrate the anti-open defecation campaign into their programmes, stressing that collaboration with religious bodies is essential to achieving national sanitation goals.

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Responding, Archbishop Kaigama commended the minister’s approach, describing him as the first to bring government closer to the people.

He lamented that many elected officials neglect their constituents and the poor after elections and called for more government engagement with communities.

“We must work together,” Kaigama stated, adding that Pope Francis remains committed to a clean environment.

He pledged the church’s support in changing attitudes towards open defecation and assured full collaboration with the ministry.

“I will join you in this crusade,” the Archbishop declared.