Kano Targets 100% Open Defecation Free Status by 2026, Says Deputy Governor
By Mustapha Salisu
Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced significant progress in the state’s campaign to eradicate open defecation.
The Deputy Governor made this declaration on Wednesday during the North West Zonal Meeting & Award Ceremony for Achieving Open Defecation Free Status By Kano State 20 LGAs convened by the Commissioner Rural and Community Development, Hon. Abdulkadir Abdussalam.
Speaking at the gathering, the Deputy Governor said that 26 out of the state’s 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have already been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF), marking a milestone in the administration’s sanitation drive.
Gwarzo stated that the state’s commitment to making Kano fully ODF by 2026 remains strong, citing collaborative efforts with UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, and other stakeholders in implementing the Community‑Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) model.
According to him, these efforts have facilitated access to toilets and inspired critical behavioral changes within communities.
“The progress we have achieved is no accident. It is the result of strong leadership, a clear vision, and bold action, in line with the directive of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, to launch a massive statewide sanitation intervention” Gwarzo said.
He highlighted the initiative’s four key pillars: the construction of public and household toilets across all LGAs, provision of funding support for self‑help groups, strengthening of community bylaws for enforcement, and engagement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and women’s groups as sanitation champions.
Gwarzo added that the initiative is already yielding results. In areas like Dawakin Tofa, Ungogo, and Rano, improved sanitation has reduced disease outbreaks, boosted school attendance, and restored communal pride.
While acknowledging the state’s progress, the Deputy Governor emphasized that the campaign is far from over.
He announced that the state is intensifying efforts across the remaining 18 LGAs, especially in urban areas where sanitation challenges are more complex.
Gwarzo called on stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, and development partners to maintain momentum and expand investments for lasting behavioral and infrastructural change.
He concluded by commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his visionary leadership and expressed gratitude to the communities that have embraced the campaign.
On his part, the Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph T. Utsev commended the Kano for making significant progress, with 26 of its 44 local government areas now ODF which positions it as one of Nigeria’s top-performing states in sanitation.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Phaleengwah, he called on the Kano State Government to intensify efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across the state.
Phaleengwah expressed gratitude to the state government for its strong commitment and acknowledged the vital role of development partners for their contributions to strengthening the state’s water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.
Highlighting the state’s strategic role due to its large population and geographic significance, he urged the government to intensify efforts in the remaining 18 LGAs, improve budget allocations for sanitation infrastructure, mobilize traditional and religious leaders, and mainstream sanitation facilities across institutions such as schools, markets, and health centers.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to supporting state efforts in achieving ODF status, the Minister congratulated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his accomplishments.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Kano State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Shamwilu Abdulkadir Issa, expressed for Kano’s for achievement of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
He explained the event also served as a zonal retreat for rural water and sanitation general managers from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna States.
According to the RUWASA boss, the participants engaged in extensive discussions and developed a joint communiqué that will guide water, sanitation, and hygiene efforts across the Northwest and serve as a learning model for other zones.
Shamwilu emphasized that the gathering was an important moment for Kano State and called for maximum cooperation with the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to sustain and build on the state’s sanitation achievements.
