The Federal Government has urged states across the country to develop and implement concrete hand hygiene action plans within six months to promote public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, who was represented by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, made the call on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the commemoration of the 2026 Global Handwashing Day at Kwali Area Council, Abuja, with the theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero!”
The Minister emphasised that handwashing with soap and water remains one of the simplest, most affordable and effective ways to prevent diseases, including cholera and other waterborne infections. He urged every state to identify at least one practical hand hygiene intervention for implementation within six months, with clear responsibilities, adequate resources and mechanisms for monitoring progress.
Utsev called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, schools, civil society organisations, the private sector, the media and community leaders to promote sustainable hygiene practices. He also advocated the establishment of school hygiene clubs, support for Student Hygiene/WASH Champions, and the provision of functional handwashing facilities, soap and water in schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other public places.
The Minister commended the Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (FCT RUWASSA), Kwali Area Council, the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme (SURWASH), UNICEF, Action Against Hunger (AAH), Reckitt, the National Task Group on Sanitation and other partners for their contributions to the commemoration.
He disclosed that the planned national hand hygiene campaign aims to reach approximately one million Nigerians through physical and digital activities, while a proposed national roundtable would provide a platform for states to share experiences, showcase innovations and strengthen commitments towards improved hygiene practices.
Addressing students and young people, Utsev encouraged them to practise regular handwashing, educate their peers and promote cleanliness in their homes, schools and communities. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving water supply, sanitation and hygiene services nationwide, stressing that the success of the commemoration would depend on sustained action beyond the celebration.
The Minister urged Nigerians to make handwashing with soap a daily habit, declaring, “Be a Handwashing Hero—not only today, but every day!”
In his welcome address, the Director Overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, FNSE, represented by the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mr. Habu Jamilu, mni, called on stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and take concrete steps to promote sustainable hand hygiene practices.
He stressed the need to provide functional handwashing facilities, clean water and soap in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other public places. He also urged stakeholders to leverage the commemoration to advance the SURWASH Hygiene Acceleration Agenda through stronger partnerships, innovation and measurable commitments.
In his remarks, the Etsu Kwali, HRH Ayedoo Luka Nizasan III, described handwashing as a simple but effective practice for preventing infectious diseases and improving life expectancy.
He noted that handwashing was part of the community’s traditional upbringing and urged residents to revive the practice as a daily habit. The traditional ruler called on schools, households, markets, offices and public institutions to provide convenient handwashing facilities, while encouraging district heads and community leaders to promote proper hand hygiene in their respective communities.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of the Kwali Area Council, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, UNICEF and the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) emphasised the importance of regular handwashing in preventing diseases and protecting public health.
The Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Nuhu Daniel Kwali, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Ramatu Abdullahi Ramadi, appreciated the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, UNICEF, FCT RUWASSA and SURWASH for their contributions towards improving water, sanitation and hygiene services in the area.
In her vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary of FCT RUWASSA, Dr. Joice Echoke, appreciated the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, UNICEF, Kwali Area Council and other partners for their support in making the commemoration successful. She urged participants to sustain handwashing practices beyond the event and encouraged parents, teachers and community leaders to champion behavioural change.
The event featured the recognition and induction of peer hygiene advocates and heroes, drama presentations, a symbolic handwashing exercise by dignitaries and an exhibition showcasing practical handwashing solutions.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
15/10/2026
