Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria's sanitation economy is projected to reach a massive $14.23 billion by 2030, calling for urgent and bold action to maximize this potential. The announcement came during the opening of the 2025 National Sanitation Conference in Abuja, where sanitation was described as being at the core of government policy.
Historic Conference for National Development
The two-day conference, themed "Accelerating Sanitation for All," brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and community leaders to chart a new course for Nigeria's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. Vice President Shettima, represented by Binta Inna Audu, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Humanitarian Matters, described the gathering as historic.
Shettima emphasized that lack of access to safe sanitation remains one of Nigeria's most pressing public health challenges. "Sanitation is not merely about toilets or infrastructure; it is about human health, dignity, productivity and the future of our nation's children," he stated.
Economic Impact and Progress Made
The Vice President highlighted the severe economic consequences of poor sanitation, citing a World Bank report showing that Nigeria loses $3 billion annually due to inadequate sanitation. This results in preventable diseases, contaminated water sources, and reduced productivity across the nation.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria has recorded significant progress through the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign. Shettima reported that 158 Local Government Areas have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF), with Katsina and Jigawa states achieving statewide ODF status. He commended these achievements and urged other states to follow their example.
Breaking Down the Sanitation Economy Potential
The projected $14.23 billion sanitation economy by 2030 comprises several key components:
- $9.9 billion in the Toilet economy
- $2.5 billion in the Circular sanitation economy
- $25 million in Smart sanitation technologies
- $1.8 billion in the Menstrual hygiene marketplace
Shettima noted that only a small portion of this potential is currently being tapped and emphasized the need to strengthen the supply side, bring in innovation, and create an enabling environment that incentivizes private-sector investment.
The Vice President outlined ongoing federal initiatives, including the National Action Plan, P-WASH, SOAR-WASH, School and Health WASH programmes, and the nationwide WASHNORM survey for tracking progress on Sustainable Development Goals 6.1 and 6.2. He stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has placed WASH at the center of national development through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, described sanitation as a cornerstone of prosperity and noted that the conference aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. Other notable contributions came from Hussan Abdukadiri, representing the FCT Minister, who announced that the Federal Capital Territory aims for six area councils to achieve ODF status before the next conference.
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of Service, reaffirmed the civil service's commitment to improving workplace sanitation, while Chidera Chukwu, UK Government Health Adviser, called for data-driven planning and breaking from "old traditions" to harness the sanitation economy.
Vice President Shettima concluded with a powerful call to action: "The time for collective acceleration is now. Let this conference mark a turning point — from dialogue to decisive action."
