Nigeria has taken a bold step towards improving public health by launching a revised Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC) Strategic Plan. The initiative, officially unveiled by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja, aims to eliminate open defecation across the country by 2030.
The event brought together government officials, international organisations, and community leaders, all united in their mission to provide safe and clean sanitation for every Nigerian.
The campaign addresses a pressing issue: nearly 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, while many lack access to proper sanitation facilities.
The new plan seeks to declare all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in the country free from open defecation within the next six years. However, achieving this goal will require a significant boost in the current rate of progress, as acknowledged by stakeholders.
Vice President Shettima called attention to the importance of this effort.
““Access to safe and clean toilets is not just about infrastructure; it is about dignity, health, and safety for all Nigerians. We are committed to ensuring that no one falls behind in our journey to end open defecation, as evidenced by this strategic plan. We urge all levels of government and partners to work collaboratively for this goal,” Shettima said.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, underlined the central role of sanitation in improving public health and development.
“The launch of the revised CNC Strategic Plan marks a pivotal step forward in addressing Nigeria’s sanitation challenges. We commend the progress made but recognise that we need to act swiftly and with greater coordination to achieve universal sanitation access by 2030,” he stated.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, emphasised the critical nature of the initiative, describing sanitation as a basic human right.
“Sanitation is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. This strategic plan is essential for protecting public health and empowering communities. We must rally around this initiative to secure a future that is healthier and more dignified,” she said.
