Writing By Daniel Karlmax; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen policies, regulations, and long-term planning aimed at achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across Nigeria.
NEWSAN also emphasized the need for private sector partnerships and the integration of climate change impacts such as floods and droughts into Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects to combat the spread of neglected tropical diseases, including diarrhea and cholera.
The National Coordinator of NEWSAN, Mr. Attah Benson, made this known during advocacy visits to implementing partners of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme in Kaduna State.
In a statement, he explained that visits to the Kaduna State Water Corporation (KASWAC), Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA), and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) were part of efforts to assess progress, strengthen collaboration, and identify areas requiring additional support.
He commended the implementing partners for their continued commitment to improving WASH outcomes, while urging accelerated action to meet national and global targets.
NEWSAN noted that sustained engagement with key stakeholders has improved coordination, accountability, and implementation momentum across participating states.
However, the organization expressed concern that only Katsina State has achieved statewide ODF status, leaving other states with significant work to do in eliminating open defecation and reducing the burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
The group emphasized that while the SURWASH Programme provides critical support, state governments must adopt alternative funding strategies and strengthen implementation frameworks to sustain progress.
It also recalled that the Federal Government has extended Nigeria’s ODF target from 2025 to 2030, underscoring the urgency for intensified efforts.
Highlighting the broader impact of WASH, NEWSAN stressed that more than half of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are linked to progress in the sector.
Achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), it noted, is essential for advancing health, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and poverty reduction.
“Improved sanitation drives economic growth and job creation, while access to clean water enhances public health and promotes social justice,” the statement said.
The organization further pointed out that waste water resource recovery can support sustainable consumption and food security, while effective sanitation systems contribute to building sustainable cities.
NEWSAN also called on state governments to create an enabling environment that can attract private sector investment, noting that businesses are more likely to engage where governance, infrastructure, and transparency are strong.
Daniel Karlmax
