The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, has announced that the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) has declared 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) Open Defecation Free (ODF) in five different states. This declaration was made during the NTGS's monthly meeting in Abuja on December 19, 2023, and was validated by a multi-sectoral platform involving line Ministries, Agencies, NGO Network, and the Media, as stated by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry, the 12 additional ODF Local Government Areas are as follows: Kano State: 7 LGAs - Kunchi, Gezawa, Ajingi, Karaye, Rimin Gado, Rano, and Albasu; Katsina State: 2 LGAs - Kankara and Funtua; Bayelsa State: 1 LGA - Kolokuma/Opokuma; Delta State: 1 LGA - Oshimili North; and Ogun State: 1 LGA - Ikenne. This development brings the total number of Open Defecation Free Local Government Areas in Nigeria to 117.

The Minister also highlighted the existing ODF Local Government Areas in various states, including Jigawa, Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Kaduna, Osun, Yobe, Zamfara, and Imo, with varying numbers of ODF LGAs in each state. This progress reflects ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene practices across the country.

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