Plateau will reverse second position on open defecation practice — Mutfwang

Worried by Plateau State’s ranking as the second-highest in open defecation practices in Nigeria, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has expressed his administration’s determination to tackle the menace by providing improved sanitation facilities.

The governor, who spoke at an event to commemorate the 2025 World Water Day with the theme “Glacier Preservation” in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday, expressed disappointment that many citizens of the state still practise open defecation.

“It is unacceptable that in this day and age, many of our citizens still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, hence our ranking as the second state with the highest practice of open defecation. This practice not only poses serious health risks but also contaminates our water sources.

“To combat this, as a government, we have vowed to change the narrative by intensifying our efforts towards creating an enabling environment to provide clean water and sanitation facilities for all citizens.”

The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Bamlong, stated that the administration would continue to work with local governments, communities, and development partners to ensure that everyone has access to a safe and healthy environment.

In her address, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, stated that the federal government’s campaign against open defecation requires a collective response from government agencies, the private sector, development partners, and communities to accelerate access to improved sanitation.

Dr Rafique commended the Plateau State Government for making significant strides in aligning with the vision of the federal government by launching the initiative at the state level and becoming one of the few states in the programme.

She disclosed that UNICEF and the State Ministry of Water Resources, through RUWASSA, have collaborated to bring Riyom and Shendam local governments close to attaining Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office urged the state government to expedite the development of the Climate-Resilient Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) Strategy and Operating Guidelines for Plateau State, adding that this would establish a clear framework and set of procedures to address fecal sludge management issues.

According to her, it would also guide stakeholders on the effective implementation of and compliance with national sanitation guidelines and standards at both the state and local government levels.

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