Open Defecation-Free: Bauchi Leads In Northeast Nigeria

Ajiya Ayuba

The Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC) has declared that Bauchi state is leading in open defecation-free in the entire Northeastern part of Nigeria , where 102 Local Government Areas were now open defecation-free (ODF).

The data released by the Clean Nigeria Campaign indicated that Bauchi took the lead in the Northeast region with 7 LGAs having ODF.

Mrs Opara Ngozi, National Coordinator of Clean Nigeria Campaign stated this at the 2-day 2023 North East Review Meeting in Bauchi.

She lauded the multi-sectoral platform involving line ministries, agencies, NGO networks, and the media, which has certified and declared Local Government Areas as open defecation free.

“As at July ,2023, 102 open defecations free (ODF) LGAs have been recorded, while this is good progress.

“It is not significant enough to put as a course to our national target of an ODF Nigeria by 2025.

“Also, the spread of the 102 ODF LGAs is limited to 14 out of the 36 States and FCT, this means that 22 States and FCT have not been able to contribute any ODF LGAs to the National Statistics,”

She explained that in the North East Zone, Bauchi has taken the lead on the Clean Nigeria Campaign over time with seven LGAs declared ODF and another local government area on the verge.

It is worthy of note that the best results for the Clean Nigeria Campaign so far in the North East is from Bauchi state.

“Also, to be noted is that the entire North East has recorded 10 LGAs Open Defecation Free with Bauchi leading with 7 LGAs out 20 LGAs followed by Borno 2 and Yobe 1,” she said.

In his part, Alhaji Adamu Sabo, General Manager of Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) said the objective of the North East review meeting was to share experiences and challenges from each other States to know the way forward.

He said since the commencement of the campaign, there had been a series of measures adopted toward achieving the target.

“We achieved ODF in seven LGAs that include Warji, Ganjuwa , Gamawa, Toro , Bogoro, Shira and Dass and very soon one LGA will be declared ODF.,” He said.

He commended Gov Bala Mohammed for converting the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) unit of LGAs to Departments to enable it to function well and achieve a 2025 ODF-free state.

While Mr. Uba Lawal, a representative from UNICEF said the review meeting is timely as 2025 is near, urging the States to step up their clean Nigeria Campaign strategies to achieve the ODF target.