End Open Defecation Now: VP Shettima Challenges Governors to Act Fast

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governors across Nigeria to intensify efforts to eliminate open defecation, describing it as a major public health and environmental challenge. Speaking at a high-level sanitation summit in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to address the issue, which affects millions of Nigerians.

He noted that open defecation is not only a matter of dignity but also a critical factor in the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, which claim thousands of lives annually, particularly among children under five. “This is not just a sanitation problem; it is a public health crisis that we must tackle with unwavering commitment,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President highlighted that Nigeria still ranks among the top countries globally with the highest rates of open defecation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 48 million Nigerians currently lack access to basic toilet facilities, with rural areas being the most affected.

Shettima urged governors to prioritize investments in sanitation infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. He proposed that states should adopt innovative funding mechanisms and form partnerships with private sector stakeholders to scale up access to clean and functional toilets.

The Vice President also commended states like Jigawa and Katsina for achieving open defecation-free status in recent years, urging others to follow suit. He called for stronger enforcement of sanitation laws and community-level engagement to ensure behavioral change.

“An open defecation-free Nigeria is within reach, but we must act swiftly and decisively,” Shettima concluded, pledging the federal government’s support to all states in achieving this goal by 2025, in line with the Clean Nigeria Campaign.

The summit brought together sanitation experts, traditional leaders, and international partners to review progress and renew commitments toward making Nigeria a healthier and more hygienic nation.