Vice President Kashim Shettima has known as for daring, accelerated motion to maximise Nigeria’s $14.23 billion sanitation economic system, stating that sanitation stays “on the coronary heart of presidency coverage.”
Shettima made the decision on Monday whereas declaring open the 2025 Nationwide Sanitation Convention in Abuja.
He was represented by Binta Inna Audu, Senior Particular Adviser to the President on Humanitarian Issues.
The Two-day convention, themed “Accelerating Sanitation for All,” introduced collectively authorities officers, growth companions, civil society, academia, and group leaders to chart a brand new path for the nation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
Shettima described the convention as historic, noting that the dearth of entry to protected sanitation stays one of many world’s and Nigeria’s most urgent public well being challenges.
“Sanitation shouldn’t be merely about bathrooms or infrastructure; it’s about human well being, dignity, productiveness and the way forward for our nation’s kids,” she mentioned.
The vp highlighted the numerous {economic} toll of poor sanitation, citing a World {Bank} report that exhibits Nigeria loses $3 billion yearly on account of insufficient sanitation, leading to preventable illnesses, contaminated water sources, and diminished productiveness.
Open defecation, he warned, continues to wreck the nation’s picture and jeopardise kids’s well being via illnesses resembling cholera and diarrhoea.
He, nevertheless, famous that Nigeria has made notable good points, notably via the Clear Nigeria: Use the Bathroom Marketing campaign. Up to now, 158 Native Authorities Areas throughout the nation have been licensed Open Defecation Free (ODF), with Katsina and Jigawa reaching statewide ODF standing.
Shettima recommended each states, saying their progress ought to “spur others to speed up efforts” towards reaching nationwide ODF standing.
He famous that the nation’s sanitation economic system, projected to develop to $14.23 billion by 2030, consists of: $9.9 billion within the Bathroom economic system; $2.5 billion within the Round sanitation economic system; $25 million in Sensible sanitation applied sciences; and $1.8 billion within the Menstrual hygiene market. Nevertheless, solely a small portion of this potential is presently being tapped.
“We should strengthen the provision facet, herald innovation, and create an enabling setting that incentivises private-sector funding,” he mentioned.
Shettima outlined ongoing federal initiatives, together with the Nationwide Motion Plan, P-WASH, SOAR-WASH, Faculty and Well being WASH programmes, and the nationwide WASHNORM survey for monitoring progress on SDGs 6.1 and 6.2.
He emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has positioned WASH on the centre of nationwide growth via the creation of the Federal Ministry of Water Assets and Sanitation.
Shettima urged all ranges of presidency, private-sector gamers, growth companions, and communities to “act collectively and act quicker” to make sure common entry to protected sanitation.
“The time for collective acceleration is now,” he declared. “Let this convention mark a turning level — from dialogue to decisive motion.”
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Assets and Sanitation, mentioned the convention is essential for nationwide growth, describing sanitation as a cornerstone of prosperity.
In his welcome remarks, he emphasised that sanitation shouldn’t be merely an infrastructure difficulty, however “a cornerstone of human growth, a driver of productiveness, and a key determinant of nationwide prosperity.”
The Minister famous that the convention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underneath whose management the Federal Ministry of Water Assets and Sanitation has strengthened nationwide efforts to enhance sanitation techniques, promote public well being, and uphold the dignity of residents.
He acknowledged that the convention was convened to offer a nationwide platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership, particularly in advancing initiatives such because the Clear Nigeria: Use the Bathroom Marketing campaign.
Prof. Utsev expressed optimism that the varied stakeholders attending the convention would forge partnerships and develop actionable suggestions to information Nigeria’s subsequent steps towards reaching Sustainable Improvement Purpose 6, which goals to make sure the supply and sustainable administration of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
The Minister additionally prolonged profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his coverage steerage and continued help for the WASH sector.
Hussan Abdukadiri, representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, introduced that the FCT goals for six space councils to realize open defecation-free, ODF, earlier than the subsequent convention.
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of Service, reaffirmed the civil service’s dedication to enhancing office sanitation.
She expressed her willingness to proceed partnering with the ministry to enhance entry to sanitation within the nation.
Chidera Chukwu, UK Authorities Well being Adviser, known as for daring acceleration, data-driven planning, and a break from “previous traditions” to harness the sanitation economic system.
Abele Okeke, Nigeria’s WASH Ambassador, urged stakeholders to unite in constructing a nationwide motion for improved sanitation.