The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has partnered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to combat open defecation and improve sanitation across the country.
The partnership was unveiled during a workshop for NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) Focal Officers of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, held on Thursday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, represented by the Director of Reforms and Coordination, Mr. Moses Jo-Madugu, emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving improved sanitation nationwide.
Pheelangwah noted that the government had implemented two key programmes—the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH)—to address poor sanitation indicators.
“The Clean Nigeria Campaign is a clarion call to action; we are excited to collaborate with the NYSC to mobilise corps members nationwide. Through your CDS activities, we aim to trigger a sanitation revolution to end open defecation in Nigeria,” he said.
He highlighted the ministry’s recently reviewed Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Vice-President on November 19, 2024, which aligns with the YouthWASH Strategy to engage young Nigerians in driving sanitation improvements.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the ministry, stated that the two-day training workshop was designed to equip NYSC CDS officers with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute effectively to the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
“Over the next two days, we will explore key strategies, share best practices, and engage in collaborative activities to inspire and empower participants,” Ugoh said.
She stressed that achieving a defecation-free Nigeria required building a community of passionate advocates committed to positive change.
Representing the NYSC, Mrs. Funmilayo Ajayi reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to work with the ministry to promote hygiene and sanitation at the grassroots level. She added that the collaboration would educate communities about proper sanitation practices.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign, Mrs. Chizoba Opara, underscored the importance of promoting behavioral change through corps members conducting awareness campaigns.
The National Coordinator of the YouthWASH Initiative Africa, Mr. Nature Obiakor, highlighted the role of young people in driving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives. He noted that the partnership would align with both national and global goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our efforts are geared towards building a cleaner and healthier nation for future generations,” Obiakor said, calling for increased collaboration among stakeholders in the water sector.
The workshop, held in collaboration with Self Help Africa, brought together participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It aimed to strengthen partnerships between the ministry and grassroots organizations in achieving Nigeria’s sanitation goals.
The initiative underscores the government’s dedication to fostering youth engagement as a driving force to achieve a defecation-free Nigeria by 2030.