Marking International Toilet Day, the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), in partnership with UNICEF, completed a two-day training for 170 faecal sludge emptiers and environmental health workers on improved hygiene practices and safety protocols.
The initiative was held in four locations across Jigawa—Dutse, Gumel, Hadejia, and Kazaure—with participants from all 27 local government areas.
JISEPA Managing Director, Sanitarian Adamu Sabo, highlighted the importance of equipping these workers with modern techniques to ensure safe waste management and public health protection.
He noted that, in addition to faecal sludge emptiers, JISEPA’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) staff received training to strengthen their monitoring and enforcement capabilities.
“This training not only helps enhance the quality of services these essential workers provide but also supports our goal of maintaining Jigawa’s Open Defecation Free status,” said Sabo. Each participant received a certificate, officially authorizing them to operate across the state.
UNICEF WASH Specialist Dr. Uba Lawal praised the governor’s commitment to sanitation, reaffirming UNICEF’s support to sustain Jigawa’s hygiene initiatives and improve public health across the state.