04/12/2025
THE NATIONAL SANITATION CONFERENCE’25
The inaugural National Sanitation Conference (Nov 17th–18th, 2025), themed “Accelerating Sanitation for All,” delivered a clear mandate: sanitation success is rooted in Dignity, Ambition into Action, and Systems That Work.
SSYVI is leveraging these directives to intensify our grassroots efforts and accelerate the achievement of SDG 6.2 (ODF by 2030).
The Challenge & Foundational Importance
Reality Check: 48 million Nigerians still practice Open Defecation (ODF) as of 2021, a figure rising due to population growth.
WASH is Foundational: Consensus among speakers (UNICEF, WaterAid, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Reckitt, etc.) established sanitation as the indispensable foundation for public health, child survival, climate resilience, and national prosperity.
Core Strategy: Behavior & Leadership
Behavior Change is Central: Building infrastructure alone is insufficient. The critical shift requires dismantling cultural norms and taboos using creative, dignity-based messaging that genuinely resonates with communities.
Proof of Concept: Structured leadership works. 158 LGAs and 2 states are already ODF, proving that ambition can be translated into action when political will and grassroots actors are mobilized.
Mobilizing Finance & Partnership
Innovative Finance:
The path to scaling requires mobilizing the private sector, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), and Philanthropic/Business Organizations (PBOs).
Model for Replication: The success of the Bauchi State model (in partnership with UNICEF and MFIs) was highlighted as a template for utilizing innovative finance and loan de-risking in communities.
SSYVI's Commitment
We are committed to translating this national ambition into measurable local action. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with development partners to implement evidence-based, sustainable, and dignity-upholding sanitation initiatives.
