Borno govt, UNICEF advocates against open defecation
By Ladi Jossy, Maiduguri
The Borno Government in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating open defecation across the state during the launch of a statewide campaign.
Speaking during the unveiling of the initiative in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Tuesday, Governor Babagana Zulum urged residents to embrace the campaign and support efforts to achieve an Open Defecation-Free Borno.
Zulum, who was represented by his deputy, Umar Kadafur, highlighted his administration’s commitment to addressing critical issues across sectors such as education, transportation, infrastructure, and health over the past six years.
The campaign, which coincides with the global push for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), 6 access to water and sanitation for all by 2030, aimed to mobilize communities to end open defecation.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the state, including fiscal constraints, but emphasized his administration’s dedication to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
“For six years, we have been resolute in our commitment to improving lives despite fiscal constraints. This initiative is part of our dedication to ensuring a clean and prosperous Borno.
“Poor hygiene, open defecation, and lack of access to safe water compromise the dignity and health of our people, contributing to child mortality, undernutrition, and educational barriers for girls.
He underscored the importance of clean public toilets in markets, motor parks, and other public places, ensuring that Borno can meet global sanitation targets.
The governor laid out a detailed action plan for achieving these goals, including; expanding access to safe and clean water within 30 meters of every household, using durable and community managed systems.
He directed state officials to collaborate with the private sector to develop affordable and acceptable toilets for households in all settings and introduce interest-free sanitation credits for households and toilet business owners to encourage toilet acquisition and use.
He also urged for public- private partnerships to sustain WASH access in schools, health centers and public places.
He further directed the ministry of information to strengthen collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, and media outlets to mobilise communities and promote sanitation and hygiene practices.
The governor urged all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community members, and the private sector, to support the campaign and help transform Borno into an open defecation-free state.
“A clean Borno State means a prosperous people. Together, we can leave a legacy of dignity and health for future generations,” he said.
Also speaking, Cristian Munduate, Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria, reiterated its commitment to supporting the Borno government in eradicating open defecation and improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
Represented by UNICEF Chief of Borno Field Office, Phuong Nguyen, she highlighted the far-reaching impacts of open defecation on public health, education, and economic productivity, particularly among children.
She noted that while the provision of toilets and water infrastructure is critical, fostering behavioral change remains equally important.
“It’s not enough to have toilets or water; people must understand their significance. Open defecation and poor hygiene practices lead to severe health consequences, including diarrhea and malnutrition, which stunts children’s growth and affects their ability to learn,” she said.
She added that open defecation disproportionately affects girls, as inadequate sanitation facilities often prevent them from attending school during their menstrual periods.
“Adults, too, are impacted, with illnesses such as diarrhea leading to absenteeism from work and reduced productivity.
“This journey starts with government support. Each success story in eradicating open defecation begins at the top, and Borno State has demonstrated this leadership.
“We believe that by this time next year, most areas of Borno, if not the entire state, will be free from open defecation,” she added.
“UNICEF called on traditional leaders, estate owners, and communities to play their roles in driving the necessary behavioral changes.
In his remarks, Sule Ali, Chairman Biu Local Government Area, lauded National Task Group on Sanitation for finding it worthy of open defecation free.
Ali said the that achievement would not be possible without the contribution and support of Governor Babagana Zulum who directed the LGA to embark on sensitisation campaign by showing to the people the devastating effect of such unwanted practice.
