Nigeria continues to demonstrate strong leadership in public health by prioritizing hand hygiene as a vital tool for disease prevention and community well-being. The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, reaffirmed this commitment during a media briefing held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja. The briefing came ahead of the 2025 Global Handwashing Day celebration themed “Our Hands, Our Future,” which emphasizes how consistent hygiene practices directly shape healthier societies and safeguard the nation’s future.
Prof. Utsev began by highlighting that hand hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to prevent illnesses and reduce infection rates. He explained that through regular handwashing with soap and clean water, millions of lives can be protected each year. Therefore, the government continues to place hygiene at the center of its national health agenda, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing clean and safe sanitation facilities.
Furthermore, the Minister praised the media for its continuous collaboration in driving awareness. He acknowledged that journalists and broadcasters have been instrumental in amplifying messages about hygiene, health, and sanitation. Their consistent efforts, he said, have transformed policies into practical community actions. By keeping the public informed, the media helps to change behavior and create lasting habits that improve the nation’s health outcomes.
He also explained that promoting hand hygiene is not just a public health initiative but a collective national duty. Through strong partnerships with state governments, development organizations, and community leaders, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is expanding access to handwashing facilities nationwide. Each partnership strengthens the foundation for cleaner schools, healthier neighborhoods, and more resilient communities.
In addition, Prof. Utsev emphasized that progress depends on sustained effort. He noted that while building facilities is important, maintaining them is equally essential. To ensure lasting impact, the Ministry encourages local authorities and citizens to take ownership of sanitation infrastructure. This approach fosters accountability and guarantees that every intervention continues to serve communities effectively for years.
Moreover, he pointed out that hand hygiene directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good health, clean water, and sanitation. Nigeria’s commitment, therefore, reflects its determination to meet international health standards and strengthen public welfare. By improving access to clean water and hygiene education, the nation is investing in a safer and more productive future for its people.
As part of the ongoing “Our Hands, Our Future” campaign, the Ministry plans to intensify awareness programs and increase collaboration with the private sector. These efforts aim to inspire a cultural shift where handwashing becomes second nature to everyone. Through school outreach, workplace programs, and public events, Nigerians will continue learning that simple daily actions can create powerful change.
Throughout his remarks, Prof. Utsev reminded citizens that hand hygiene starts with individual responsibility. He encouraged everyone to make clean hands a habit, stressing that each act of handwashing protects not only the individual but also families and communities. He expressed optimism that through continued awareness and partnership, Nigeria will achieve universal access to hygiene facilities and set a strong example for other nations.
As Global Handwashing Day approaches, Nigeria’s renewed focus reflects its vision of a healthier, cleaner, and more inclusive society. Through leadership, collaboration, and persistence, the Federal Government continues to show that the path to national prosperity begins with something as simple as washing hands. Every drop of clean water, every act of hygiene, and every citizen’s effort together form the foundation of a stronger, more resilient Nigeria.
