By Aaior K. Comfort

Abuja — The Federal Government has officially declared eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano and Kebbi States as Open Defecation Free (ODF).

In a statement released on Thursday by Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, announced the achievement based on the report from the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS).

The newly declared ODF LGAs are: Kiru, Bagwai, Dawakin Tofa, Gaya, Shanono, Gabasawa, and Ungogo in Kano State; and Shanga in Kebbi State.

Utsev explained that the NTGS, a multi-sectoral platform comprising key stakeholders from relevant Ministries, Government Agencies, Development Partners, NGOs, and the Media, validated these declarations during its meeting in Abuja on September 18, 2024.

“With these additions, the total number of ODF LGAs in the country has risen to 134,” Utsev said. “This milestone highlights our continued efforts to improve public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability across Nigeria.”

This development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against open defecation, aligning with broader goals to enhance sanitation and public health nationwide.