On Wednesday, the Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC) made a significant announcement declaring 102 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country as Open Defecation Free (ODF). This momentous declaration was made by the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign during the "2023 North East Review Meeting" held in Bauchi. The meeting focused on the theme of "Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet," as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Notably, the North East region as a whole has achieved ODF status in 10 LGAs, with Bauchi leading the way with seven out of its 20 LGAs being declared ODF, followed by Borno with two and Yobe with one, according to the National Coordinator.
The primary objective of the North East review meeting, as earlier stated by Alhaji Adamu Sabo, the General Manager of Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), was to foster sharing experiences and addressing challenges faced by the states to move forward effectively towards attaining ODF.
Throughout the campaign, several measures have been adopted to work towards achieving the ODF target, and commendable progress has been made. Seven LGAs in Bauchi State—Warji, Ganjuwa, Gamawa, Toro, Bogoro, Shira, and Dass—have already achieved ODF status, and there are promising signs that another LGA will soon be declared ODF.
The efforts of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State were recognized and appreciated for his initiative in converting the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) units of LGAs into departments to enhance functionality and contribute to achieving the goal of a 2025 ODF free state.
In line with the approaching 2025 deadline, Mr. Uba Lawal, a representative from UNICEF, highlighted the timeliness of the review meeting and urged all states to intensify their clean Nigeria campaign strategies to successfully reach the ODF target. It is crucial to sustain and build upon the progress made so far to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all citizens.
