FG Urges Nigerians to Practise Regular Handwashing Ahead of Global Handwashing Day
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to adopt regular handwashing with soap and water to prevent diseases and improve public health ahead of the 2026 Global Handwashing Day, scheduled for October 15.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a media briefing organised to raise awareness ahead of the annual commemoration, themed “Be a Handwashing Hero!”
Utsev described handwashing as a simple, affordable and effective public health measure for preventing diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid and respiratory infections.
He stressed the need to provide adequate handwashing facilities, ensure access to soap and water, sustain public awareness campaigns and encourage consistent hygiene practices across communities and institutions.
The minister said proper hand hygiene aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve the health and well-being of Nigerians.
He also noted that the commemoration supports Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which promotes access to adequate sanitation and hygiene for all.
According to him, activities planned for the celebration include media awareness campaigns, a road walk, community and institutional sensitisation, and the main national commemoration scheduled to hold in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory on October 15, 2026.
Utsev called on state governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in promoting hand hygiene.
He also urged the media to intensify public enlightenment, emphasising that washing hands with soap and water at critical times can save lives and reduce the spread of preventable diseases.
Earlier, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, represented by the Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Habu Jamilu, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving hand hygiene and sanitation practices nationwide.
He emphasised the importance of sustained public education, functional handwashing facilities and reliable access to soap and water, while describing the media as a key partner in promoting positive behavioural change.
In his vote of thanks, the Director II, Department of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Olu Daniel Ibiyemi, appreciated the minister, ministry officials, development partners and members of the press for their participation and continued support.
The briefing also featured an interactive session between the minister and journalists on strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s national hand hygiene campaign.
The statement was issued by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, on October 13, 2026.
FG Urges Nigerians to Practise Regular Handwashing Ahead of Global Handwashing Day