Buhari Signs Executive Order To End Open Defecation In Nigeria In 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed executive order 009 to end open defecation in Nigeria by the year 2020. The order takes effect from Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

The executive order is titled “Open Defecation-Free Nigeria by 2025 and Other Related Matters Order, 2019.”

Advertisement

Buhari’s media aide, Femi Adesina, who announced this on Wednesday, said the president signed the order against the backdrop that “Nigeria is ranked second amongst the nations in the world with the highest number of people practicing open defecation estimated at over 46 million people – a practice which has had a negative effect on the populace, and has contributed to the country’s failure to meet the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

Adesina said Buhari described as “disturbing”, the statistics on open defecation, access to pipe borne water service and sanitation in the country, adding the president had declared commitment to implement the National Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Action Plan.

The presidential aide said the order declares as follows;

  1. That by this Order, Nigeria is committed to being open defecation free by 2025.
  2. That the National Open Defecation Free (ODF) Roadmap developed by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with support from other key sector players across Nigeria be put into effect.
  3. a. There is established in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources a National Secretariat called “Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat”.
    1. b. The Secretariat is authorized on behalf of the President to implement this Order by ensuring that all public places including schools, hotels, fuel stations, places of worship, market places, hospitals and offices have accessible toilets and latrines within their premises.
  4. All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government shall cooperate with the Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat.
  5. The National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly shall enact legislation on the practice of open defecation with appropriate sanctions and penalties.
  6. All development projects shall include construction of sanitation facilities as an integral part of the approval and implementation process.
  7. The Secretariat shall terminate when Nigeria is declared Open Defecation Free.
  8. All enforcement authorities are hereby directed to diligently collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in implementing this Order.

Advertisement

According to Adesina, Buhari “declared a State of Emergency on Nigeria’s water supply, sanitation and hygiene sector, the action being imperative as it will reduce the high prevalence of water borne diseases in different parts of the country which have caused preventable deaths.”

He quoted the president as saying the country was committed to putting an end open defecation throughout the country by 2025 “in consonance with her commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Leave a comment

Advertisement