12 LGAs in Five States Free Of Open Defecation – Utsev

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, has disclosed that 12 Local Government Areas in five States of the nation are free of Open Defecation (ODF).

The minister noted that the 12 LGAs are certified free following declaration by National Task Group on Sanitation.

Utsev said NTGS, a multi-sectoral platform involving line Ministries, Agencies, NGO Network and the Media, validated and declared the 12 LGAs Open Defecation Free, during their monthly meeting in Abuja on December 19, 2023, as contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

The statement reads in part, “According to Prof. Utsev, the 12 additional ODF Local Government Areas are as follows; Kano State: 7N0s. Local Government Areas; Kunchi, Gezawa, Ajingi, Karaye, Rimin Gado, Rano & Albasu

“Katsina State: 2N0s. Local Government Areas; Kankara and Funtua; Bayelsa State: 1N0. Local Government area; Kolokuma/Opokuma.

“Delta State: 1N0. Local Government Area; Oshimili North; and Ogun State: 1N0. Local Government Area; Ikenne.

“He revealed that this new record brings the total number of Open Defecation Free Local Government Areas in Nigeria to a total of 117.

“He outlined the other ODF Local Government Areas as follows; Jigawa State, the first Open Defecation Free State (27 LGAs); Anambra (3); Akwa-Ibom (1); Bauchi (7) ; Benue (9); Borno (2); Cross River (6); Kano (11 + 7 = 18); Kaduna (7); Katsina (25 + 2 = 27); Osun (1); Yobe (1); Zamfara (3); and Imo (1) LGAs respectively.”