The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with development partners, has reaffirmed its collective commitment to accelerating nationwide access to safe sanitation at the Maiden National Sanitation Conference, themed “Accelerating Sanitation for All.”
This reaffirmation was made today at the Opening Ceremony of the inaugural edition of the National Sanitation Conference, held in Abuja. The two-day conference brings together key stakeholders across government, development agencies, academia, civil society, and the private sector to drive national collaboration and innovation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by Mrs. Inna Binta Audu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, emphasized that sanitation remains one of the nation’s most pressing public health and development priorities. He underscored its direct influence on human dignity, productivity, environmental sustainability, and national prosperity.
The Vice President reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to tackling the country’s sanitation challenges, stressing that sanitation is fundamentally tied to public health, human dignity, economic growth, and the well-being of future generations. He highlighted the need for strengthened partnerships, innovative financing, and private sector-driven sanitation solutions, noting that Nigeria’s sanitation and menstrual hygiene economy could grow to an estimated $14.23 billion by 2030 if fully harnessed. He emphasized that, “The time for half measures is over; the time for collective acceleration is now.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong commitment to accelerating access to safe sanitation and hygiene services across Nigeria. He described the maiden National Sanitation Conference as a significant milestone in advancing national efforts to improve public health, promote human dignity, and strengthen the country’s sanitation systems.
According to the Minister, the Ministry, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is championing an inclusive platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership to fast-track progress in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6. He emphasized the need to consolidate gains made through initiatives such as the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, while scaling up coordination, investments, and evidence-based solutions nationwide.
Prof. Utsev commended the active participation of government representatives, development partners, researchers, civil society organizations, and private sector actors, noting that effective multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential for achieving sustainable impact. He also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering leadership and policy direction in the WASH sector, and to Vice President Kashim Shettima for his dedicated attention as Chair of the CNC National Steering Committee.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, represented by Mrs. Maliafia Danlami Hassana, reaffirmed that access to safe sanitation is a fundamental human right. He called for bold, collaborative, and innovative actions to accelerate progress across the country.
Also, speaking, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, represented by Mr. Hussein Abdukadiri, announced that the FCT Administration is enforcing a bylaw signed by all six Area Council Chairmen to ensure their councils attain ODF status by the end of 2026. He emphasized the FCT’s continued readiness to work closely with national partners and development agencies to achieve this target.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, was represented by Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment. She reiterated the Office’s commitment to improving the national sanitation policy environment by strengthening workplace hygiene across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. She highlighted the civil service as a key driver of national priorities through professionalism, collaboration, and evidence-based implementation, and assured continued support for the Clean Nigeria Campaign and other national efforts aimed at building sustainable sanitation systems.
Additional goodwill messages were also delivered by development partners.
The conference, which continues until 18th November, features plenary discussions, syndicate sessions, and a sanitation exhibition, showcasing innovations, technologies, and products aimed at improving sanitation service delivery across Nigeria.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
17 November, 2025
