Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, has reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting hand hygiene and achieving universal access to handwashing facilities across Nigeria.
Speaking at a media briefing held on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Abuja ahead of the 2025 Global Handwashing Day themed “Be a Handwashing Hero,” the Minister emphasized the importance of handwashing with soap as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent diseases and save lives.
Prof. Utsev commended the media for their vital role in advancing public awareness on hygiene practices, stressing that handwashing remains a key defense against sanitation-related diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, and pneumonia.
He noted that although awareness levels have reached 99%, actual compliance remains inconsistent, particularly at critical times such as after defecation and before eating. He urged Nigerians to adopt consistent handwashing habits in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.2, which aims to achieve access to adequate sanitation and hygiene for all.
The Minister revealed that to mark this year’s commemoration, the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) in collaboration with development partners has planned several activities, including nationwide sensitization campaigns, media engagements, and a National Commemoration Event scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Abuja. The event will feature symbolic handwashing demonstrations by dignitaries, along with outreach programmes in markets, healthcare facilities, parks, and communities across the country.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by Mr. Aghogho Gbetsere, reaffirmed the ministry’s collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives nationwide. He called on community leaders, NGOs, and state governments to intensify efforts in promoting hygiene education as a social norm.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, represented by Mr. Moses Jo Madugu, emphasized that maintaining proper hand hygiene is a collective responsibility vital to public health and national development.
Also speaking, the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, represented by Mr. Habu Jamilu, mni, commended the Minister, partners, and the media for their continued support. She called for sustained advocacy and collaboration to ensure healthier and more resilient communities.
Highlights of the briefing included goodwill messages from Mr. Attah Benson, representing the Network of Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), and a public sensitization road walk to further raise awareness on hand hygiene practices.
The event was attended by directors, development partners, and key stakeholders in the water resources and sanitation sector.
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