By Ali Rabiu Ali/Jigawa/hygiene/29th Oct, 2025.
In a bid to promote sanitation and hygiene in the state, the Jigawa State Government in collaboration with the United nations children’s fund (UNICEF) have launched a sanitation initiative aimed at improving toilet construction and promoting wealth creation among citizens.
The initiative, which was launched at a training session for Toilet Business Owners (TBOs) in Shuwaring, Kiyawa Local Government Area, on the 29th October, 2025, is part of the state’s efforts to sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
The training, organized by the Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), focused on sanitation marketing, sanitation voucher implementation, and business management strategies for TBOs.
The Managing Director of RUWASA, Eng. Abubakar Sidi, said the state government has committed N10 million to pilot the toilet project in two local government areas, Birnin Kudu and Sule Tankarkar.
The sanitation initiative is aimed at promoting sanitation and hygiene in the state, while also creating wealth among citizens.
The sanitation voucher scheme is designed to support vulnerable members of the community, such as children, the aged, and widows, to own and maintain latrines. The scheme is expected to promote toilet businesses and serve as a tool for wealth creation among citizens.
The managing director reiterated the government commitment to uplifting the standard of living of its people, especially through latrine construction in households and institutions.
He emphasized the importance of sanitation and hygiene in promoting public health and preventing the spread of diseases.
The launch of the sanitation initiative is a crucial step towards promoting sanitation and hygiene in Jigawa State, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the people.
The contractors and participants of the programme have pledged to deliver quality work and ensure the success of the initiatives.
Shafiu Ali, a contractor on the sanitation programme, said, “We are committed to delivering quality work and ensuring that the sanitation facilities are constructed to the highest standards.”
Suleiman Abdullahi, a participant said “We are grateful for the support provided by the state government and UNICEF and ensure to deliver quality and timely work.
Abdullahi added, “We understand the importance of this programme and its impact on the lives of the people. We will work diligently to ensure that the toilets are constructed on time and to the required standards.”
The Jigawa State Government’s sanitation and hygiene programmes are timely initiatives that have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of the people. The initiative demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.
The sanitation programme, which aims to promote open defecation-free communities, is a crucial step towards reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and improving environmental health. The programme’s success will depend on the commitment of the contractors and participants to deliver quality work and ensure the sustainability of the facilities.
Open defecation is a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. The practice is a significant contributor to waterborne diseases and environmental pollution. The Jigawa State Government’s sanitation programme is a crucial step towards addressing this challenge and promoting environmental health.
To sustain open defecation-free status, the state government will need to ensure that all communities have access to improved sanitation facilities and that the facilities are properly maintained. The government will also need to promote behavioral change and educate the public on the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
Overall, the Jigawa State Government’s sanitation and nutrition programmes have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of the people. The success of the programmes will depend on the commitment of the contractors and participants to deliver quality work and ensure the sustainability of the initiatives.
If you could recall that Jigawa state have been certified as the open defecation-free free state, through which the state government pledges to ensure sustainability by providing modern toilets in the rural communities, markets among others.
