In a renewed push to end open defecation across Nigeria by 2030, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, led by the Honourable Minister Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, has sought a strategic partnership with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF).
The advocacy and sensitization visit, held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Obasanjo Hall, Abuja, marked a significant step in strengthening institutional collaboration under the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.
🤝 “Celebrating Our Own, Strengthening Our Cause”
Prof. Utsev described the visit as a dual purpose — both a celebration of Dr. (Mrs.) Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni for her elevation to Head of the Civil Service and a call for continued partnership.
> “We are here not just to celebrate one of our own, but also to consolidate our partnership in advancing the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign,” the Minister stated.
He praised Dr. Walson-Jack for her pivotal role in the campaign during her time as Permanent Secretary and Sanitation Ambassador, and for continuing her advocacy in her current position.
🚻 Progress Made, Challenges Ahead
The Minister reported steady progress:
148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status
Jigawa State remains the only fully certified ODF State
Katsina State is closing in, with 33 of 34 LGAs achieving ODF status
However, he stressed the campaign’s success depends not only on infrastructure but also behavioral change, calling for:
Sanitation facilities in all government MDAs
Inclusion of sanitation in performance evaluations
Accessible, disability-friendly toilets
A cultural shift to end open defecation in the civil service
🏛 HoCSF Responds: “We Will Lead by Example”
In response, Dr. Walson-Jack reaffirmed her full support for the campaign, lauding the Ministry for recording 47 additional ODF LGAs since her departure less than two years ago.
> “Collaboration and partnerships are key to achieving the campaign’s goals,” she emphasized.
She also announced a Policy Protocol on the Use of Federal Secretariat Buildings — a sanitation guideline currently under review for submission to the Federal Executive Council. The policy aims to ensure clean, functional, and inclusive toilet access, especially for persons with disabilities.
🧼 Ongoing Initiatives & Call to Action
The HoCSF highlighted recent developments:
Commissioning of a remodelled foyer and reception with disability-accessible toilets
Plans to promote the Clean Nigeria Campaign through the activities of her office
A strong call for MDAs to treat public toilets with dignity and ensure maintenance standards
She urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to actively support the Clean Nigeria Campaign, stating:
> “A cleaner, healthier, and open defecation-free Nigeria is possible if we all play our part.”
👥 Who Was Present
The high-level meeting was attended by:
Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
Permanent Secretaries from the HoCSF
Directors and senior officials from both offices
National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign
Highlights of the visit included: ✅ Signing of the Visitor’s Register
🎁 Exchange of gifts
🏢 Tour of the remodelled Servicom Office and Reception
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