Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has called on Nigerians to adopt proper handwashing with soap as a daily habit, not just on special occasions.
Professor Utsev made the call during a media briefing ahead of the 2025 Global Handwashing Day, in Abuja, which holds on October 15th, 2025 globally.
The Minister emphasized that handwashing is a simple but powerful tool for preventing diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and pneumonia.
According to him, the annual event – themed “Be a Handwashing Hero” – aims to mobilize Nigerians at all levels to embrace hand hygiene as a vital part of public health.
He noted that while awareness of handwashing in Nigeria is high, many people still fail to practice it at critical moments, such as after using the toilet, before eating, or after contact with the sick.
“To mark this year’s celebration, the Ministry, through the National Task Group on Sanitation, has lined up key activities including, a month-long media sensitization campaign on radio, television, and social media.
He stressed that everyone – regardless of age or status – must take responsibility, adding that “a healthier Nigeria begins with clean hands.”
Professor Utsev thanked partners such as UNICEF, EU, Reckitt, Water-Aid, Sightsavers, Self Help Africa, and Action Against Hunger for their continued support in improving hygiene in Nigeria.
On his part, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said hand washing is a collective responsibility that is critical for preservation of human health.
Lawal who was represented by the the Assistant Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health, in the Ministry of environment Aghogho Gbetsere added that proper adoption of hand washing practices will be a life saver for Nigeria.
“Let’s not underestimate handwashing. Its proper adoption can be a game-changer in improving public health across Nigeria”
Earlier, in his welcome address Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa , described hand hygiene as a simple but powerful tool in preventing disease and promoting national well-being.
Pheelangwa who was represented by the Director reforms Coordination and service improvement in the Ministry, Mr. Moses Jo-Madugu acknowledged the efforts of the National Task Group on Sanitation in promoting hand hygiene nationwide and praised the media for their vital role in public sensitization.
“We count on your continued support to spread the message of handwashing for healthy living,” he stated.
