Nigeria’s commitment to becoming Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2030 has received a significant boost with the recent declaration of eight additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) as ODF across the two States of Kano and Kebbi.

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, announced that the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) has declared these eight LGAs ODF across two states, marking a critical step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve the national ODF target.

Prof. Utsev explained that the NTGS, a multi-sectoral platform involving key stakeholders from relevant Ministries, Government Agencies, Development Partners, NGOs, and the Media, validated and declared the eight LGAs ODF during its monthly meeting held in Abuja on September 18, 2024.

The newly declared ODF LGAs are:

Kano State

• Kiru
• Bagwai
• Dawakin Tofa
• Gaya
• Shanono
• Gabasawa
• Ungogo

Kebbi State

• Shanga

With these additions, the Honourable Minister noted that the total number of ODF LGAs in the country now stands at 134.

This milestone underscores ongoing efforts to enhance public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability across Nigeria.