The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has called on leaders of the Abuja National Mosque and other religious institutions, to support its efforts at eradicating open defecation in Nigeria by 2030.

During a courtesy visit to the mosque, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between religious leaders and government agencies in promoting hygiene and sanitation.

He reiterated this administration’s commitment to public health, linking improved sanitation to food security and economic growth.

Utsev noted that the campaign against open defecation, first launched in 2019, had been reinvigorated under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who now chairs the steering committee. He reported progress, revealing that 142 local councils had been declared open defecation-free, with Jigawa State being the only state to fully meet the target.

Recognising the influence of religious leaders in shaping public behaviour, Utsev urged Imams and clerics to integrate sanitation messages into their teachings.

“Through sermons, public teachings, and community engagement, mosques can serve as powerful platforms to promote hygiene and sanitation practices across the country,” he stated.

Beyond places of worship, the minister encouraged individuals to take personal responsibility for sanitation in their homes and workplaces to drive lasting behavioral change.

He commended the Murshid, Imams, and staff of the National Mosque, as well as the media and other stakeholders, for their contributions to the campaign.

Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to achieve an open defecation-free status by 2030, he called for unity and commitment to the cause.

Speaking on behalf of the mosque, Prof. Mohammed Kabir Adam assured the government of the mosque’s readiness to promote proper sanitation and hygiene. Representing the Murshid of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Galadanchi, Adam highlighted the mosque’s sanitation facilities, which cater to between 5,000 and 6,000 worshippers daily.

He explained that the mosque provides toilet and ablution facilities capable of accommodating 300 people simultaneously, along with designated spaces for funeral rites to ensure proper cleansing and preparation of the deceased before burial.

Adam emphasised that proper sanitation aligns with Islamic teachings, noting that every household is religiously obligated to have a toilet while open defecation is strongly discouraged. He attributed the persistence of the practice to cultural influences rather than religious beliefs.

“The National Mosque will continue to promote this message, not only within this mosque but across other mosques in Nigeria. We will encourage Imams nationwide to incorporate this campaign into their sermons and community engagements,” he affirmed.

He described the visit as a step toward greater collaboration between religious institutions and public health initiatives, bridging a gap that secularism had previously widened.

“This campaign is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to playing our part in ensuring Nigeria becomes open defecation-free by 2030,” Adam stated, assuring the minister of the National Mosque’s full support for the initiatives.