The Oyo State Government has signed the Urban Sanitation Policy Framework, as part of its commitment to strengthening sanitation and hygiene services and ensuring clean, healthy, inclusive, resilient and well managed urban settlements across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed that the policy was developed to address identified gaps and deficiencies in urban sanitation and hygiene services, while providing a clear regulatory and institutional framework for effective implementation.
He explained that the policy aligns with the existing Oyo State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy, the Oyo State Environmental Sanitation and Waste Control Regulations, 2013, the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations, 2024, Public Health Law, 2000 as amended and the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority Law 2004 among other relevant legal frameworks.
Hon. Aderinto further stated that the policy provides for the establishment and inauguration of a State Urban Sanitation Steering Committee, to be chaired by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, with membership consisting other state commissioners and cabinet members, and others drawn from relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective coordination, wider institutional support and successful implementation.
He added that the framework also provides for the introduction of a Young Professionals Programme to encourage youth participation and integrate young professionals into the state’s urban water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives.
The Commissioner noted that Oyo State is committed to taking a leading role in urban sanitation and achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across all its local government areas.
He disclosed that the state had recorded ODF status in two local government areas, Egbada and Ona Ara, within the year, expressing optimism that the newly signed policy would accelerate progress towards achieving ODF status across the remaining local government areas and improving the overall sanitation and public health conditions of residents.
