The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over Nigeria’s persistent shortfall of 669 local government areas (LGAs) to achieve the status of open defecation-free. The humanitarian organization emphasized the need for urgent mobilization by the government and stakeholders in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) to address this critical issue and work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030.
Dr. Clement Adams, the Officer in Charge of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, conveyed these concerns during a media dialogue held in Azare, Bauchi State, on World Toilet Day. While congratulating Katagum LGA in Bauchi for becoming the 105th LGA to be certified open defecation-free, Adams highlighted the significant health risks associated with poor sanitation, linking many diseases to the absence of proper toilet facilities.
He underscored the need for collaborative efforts, stating that despite Jigawa being the only state with all LGAs certified open defecation-free, other states should learn from their success to accelerate progress nationwide. Adams stressed the importance of partnerships with stakeholders and called on governments to unite and address the existing shortfall.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alh. Nuhu Zaki, expressed the state government’s commitment to achieving an open defecation-free status across all 20 LGAs by 2025. He applauded the eight LGAs in the state already certified open defecation-free and emphasized the government’s determination to bridge the gap and meet the set targets.
