In a bid to intensify national efforts toward improved sanitation and hygiene, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has pledged to collaborate more closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.
The renewed commitment was emphasized on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during an advocacy visit by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, in Abuja.
The campaign, aimed at eliminating open defecation in Nigeria by the year 2030, aligns with the country’s drive to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 on access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
Mrs. Walson-Jack, while welcoming the Minister and his delegation, commended the Ministry’s strides under the current administration, particularly the certification of 47 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) as Open Defecation Free (ODF), bringing the total to 148 LGAs.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and sensitization in achieving the campaign’s objectives, noting that the key to success lies in collective partnership and awareness creation, which would reduce the financial burden on government.
The Head of Service also revealed that her office has developed a new policy titled Protocol on the Use of Federal Secretariat Buildings. The policy includes provisions for the availability and maintenance of functional toilet facilities, including those accessible to persons with disabilities. It is currently undergoing the necessary concurrence process and will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
In his remarks, Prof. Utsev said the purpose of the visit was to reinforce institutional collaboration with the OHCSF, recognizing the strategic role of the Civil Service in driving behavioral change and sustaining policy reforms. He noted that with 148 LGAs already certified as ODF and Katsina State achieving full ODF status, the Civil Service is well positioned to lead by example and scale up impact.
The Minister proposed that MDAs should be encouraged to adopt measures that promote sanitation and hygiene, including clear administrative guidelines for the provision and maintenance of sanitation facilities, integration of hygiene performance indicators, and greater awareness campaigns through the OHCSF platform. He also suggested promoting a culture of “No Open Defecation” within government premises and considering the introduction of a Clean Nigeria Campaign Week across MDAs to institutionalize the initiative.
Also present at the meeting were senior officials from both institutions, including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa; Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Mrs. Patience Oyekunle; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Service Matters, Mr. Alfred Abah; Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office, Arch. Joy Baderin; National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, Mrs. Chizoba Opara; and several directors from both OHCSF and the Ministry.
The meeting concluded with a strong and shared commitment to deepen collaboration, amplify impact, and promote sustainable sanitation practices across the Nigerian Civil Service and the nation at large.
