Nigeria’s quest for a nationwide Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status has just received a significant boost. With only 17 percent of local governments certified as ODF since the launch of the Clean Nigeria Campaign five years ago, there is no gainsaying that the initial 2025 target is no longer feasible.
In response, the Nigerian Government has launched a revised strategic plan, setting a new target of 2030 for all 774 local governments to achieve ODF status. The launch took place at the event to mark 2024 World Toilet Day as well as the 5th Year anniversary of the Clean Nigeria Campaign. This move marks a pivotal step forward in addressing Nigeria’s sanitation challenges, particularly given that nearly 48 million people still practice open defecation, and even more lack access to safely managed sanitation services.
The success of this revised plan relies heavily on collective efforts and commitments from stakeholders, especially at state and local government levels. Lessons learned from the past five years will be crucial in making this vision a reality.
This revised plan demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to achieving a cleaner, healthier Nigeria. In meeting this new target, a pragmatic shift from business-as-usual is now inevitable and state governments must be made accountable for the progress in their respective states.
