Federal Government Seeks Collaboration with Religious Leaders to End Open Defecation in Nigeria
The Federal Government has called on religious and community leaders to join forces in the fight against open defecation in Nigeria. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, as part of the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
The campaign, tagged “Use the Toilet, End Open Defecation,” aims to promote proper sanitation practices and eliminate open defecation across the country. Professor Utsev emphasized the importance of collective efforts to achieve the national target of becoming open defecation-free by 2030.
Progress and Challenges
While addressing the Archbishop, Professor Utsev highlighted the progress made so far in the campaign, noting that 142 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have achieved open defecation-free status, with others in the process of certification. However, he stressed that more work needs to be done to ensure the success of the initiative.
“The campaign against open defecation has recorded significant success, but we need the support of all stakeholders, especially religious and community leaders, to scale up our efforts and educate Nigerians on the health implications of open defecation,” the Minister said.
Role of Religious Leaders
Professor Utsev identified religious leaders as critical stakeholders in the campaign, given their influence and ability to mobilize communities. He expressed optimism that their involvement would accelerate behavioral change and encourage more Nigerians to adopt proper sanitation practices.
“Religious leaders play a vital role in shaping attitudes and behaviors. By partnering with them, we can reach more people and create a culture of cleanliness and hygiene that will benefit everyone,” he added.
Archbishop Kaigama’s Response
In his response, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama commended Professor Utsev for his proactive approach and described the Minister’s visit as historic. “Professor Utsev is the first serving Minister to visit the Diocese with a message of promoting healthy living. This visit will go a long way in bridging the gap between the government and the people,” the Archbishop said.
He expressed appreciation for the Minister’s efforts to save lives and promote personal hygiene, pledging the support of the Catholic Church in the campaign. “We are grateful for this initiative and will work with the government to ensure its success. Together, we can create a healthier and cleaner Nigeria,” Kaigama stated.
Expanding the Advocacy
The advocacy visit to the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja marks the beginning of a broader outreach to religious groups across the country. The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation plans to engage leaders from other faiths, including Islam and traditional religions, to ensure widespread participation in the campaign.
Health Implications of Open Defecation
Open defecation poses significant health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid. It also contributes to environmental pollution and undermines efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The Clean Nigeria Campaign seeks to address these challenges by promoting the construction and use of toilets, especially in rural and underserved communities.
A Call to Action
The Federal Government’s collaboration with religious leaders underscores the importance of collective action in addressing public health challenges. As the campaign gains momentum, Nigerians are encouraged to support the initiative by adopting proper sanitation practices and advocating for the construction of toilets in their communities.
With the support of religious and community leaders, the Clean Nigeria Campaign aims to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all Nigerians. The partnership between the government and religious institutions is a significant step toward achieving the national goal of ending open defecation by 2030.
