"Revolutionizing Sanitation: Netherlands and Nigeria Join Forces to Deliver 800,000 Safe Toilets to Northeast Villagers"

A monumental achievement has been reached in the northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe as over eight hundred thousand villagers gain access to safe toilet facilities, courtesy of a collaborative effort between the government of the Netherlands and Nigeria.

The initiative, known as the Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA II) programme, has been implemented across six local government areas spanning the three states from 2019 to 2023. Funded by the Netherlands government in partnership with UNICEF, ASWA II aims to enhance health, nutrition, and overall well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women and girls.

A recent stakeholder meeting held in Gombe, led by UNICEF WASH Manager Chiranjibi Tiwari, highlighted the significant achievements of the five-year programme. Notable outcomes include providing safe drinking water to nearly one million individuals, and enabling 880,000 people to transition from open defecation to utilizing safe and hygienic toilet facilities.

The ASWA II programme also facilitated the construction of 500 new water facilities and the rehabilitation of 1,000 existing ones. Additionally, 54 schools and 38 healthcare facilities received essential water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Furthermore, three local governments - Biu, Guyuk, and Jada - were declared open-defecation-free by the National Task Group on Sanitation.

While celebrating these achievements, stakeholders emphasized the importance of sustainability and expansion of the programme to other communities in the region. They advocated for community ownership and continued involvement in WASH interventions, with plans to encourage community contributions and tariff payments to support ongoing efforts.

Acknowledging the vital role of traditional institutions, stakeholders commended the contribution of emirs, district heads, and other members of the traditional council in fostering sustainability and community engagement throughout the programme implementation.

As the ASWA II programme sets a precedent for successful collaboration and impactful outcomes, there is a renewed commitment to advancing sanitation and water access in northeastern Nigeria. With continued support and dedication, the region is poised to witness further improvements in health and well-being for its residents.

Through the partnership between the Netherlands and Nigeria, over eight hundred thousand individuals have gained access to essential sanitation facilities, marking a significant milestone in the region's development journey.