Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for urgent and accelerated action to unlock Nigeria’s $14.23 billion sanitation economy by 2030, warning that the country currently loses $3 billion annually due to inadequate sanitation and its devastating effects on health and productivity.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 National Sanitation Conference in Abuja on Monday, Shettima described sanitation as “at the heart of government policy” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Represented by Binta Inna Audu, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Humanitarian Matters, the Vice President declared the two-day conference themed “Accelerating Sanitation for All” a historic turning point.
“Sanitation is not merely about toilets or infrastructure; it is about human health, dignity, productivity and the future of our nation’s children,” he said.
He highlighted the staggering economic potential: $9.9 billion in the Toilet economy
$2.5 billion in Circular sanitation
$1.8 billion in Menstrual hygiene market
$25 million in Smart sanitation technologies
Yet only a fraction is currently being tapped.Shettima praised Katsina and Jigawa for achieving statewide Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and commended the Clean Nigeria Campaign for certifying 158 LGAs as ODF.
He urged other states to follow suit and stressed the need for private-sector investment, innovation, and an enabling environment.
“The time for collective acceleration is now. Let this conference mark a turning point — from dialogue to decisive action,” he declared.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the conference aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that President Tinubu’s creation of a dedicated ministry has elevated WASH to the centre of national development.
FCT Minister’s representative announced plans to make all six Area Councils ODF before the next conference.
UK Government Health Adviser Chidera Chukwu called for data-driven planning and a break from “old traditions,” while WASH Ambassador Engr. Abele Okeke urged stakeholders to build a national movement.
The conference continues with stakeholders pushing for stronger partnerships to achieve universal access to safe sanitation and meet SDG 6 by 2030.
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