The United Nations Children’s Fund has urged the Federal Government to increase investment in handwashing infrastructure and hygiene education, revealing that only eight per cent of Nigerians can correctly demonstrate proper handwashing techniques.
The UNICEF Officer in Charge of the Maiduguri Field Office, Dr. Marie Marcos, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media mission to schools in Borno State to commemorate the 2025 Global Handwashing Day.
Marcos noted that while awareness about handwashing is high across the country, actual practice remains alarmingly low, especially in schools and households.
“Although 99 per cent of Nigerians know when to wash their hands, only eight per cent can demonstrate proper handwashing techniques,” she said.
“Only 17 per cent of households have access to basic hygiene services, and just 35 per cent of schools have handwashing facilities with soap and water.”
She added that despite progress in awareness, Nigeria still faces major challenges in ensuring consistent access to soap, clean water, and functional hygiene facilities.
According to her, the North-East ranks second nationally in households with fixed handwashing facilities that have both water and soap — but the overall figure remains low at 22.1 per cent.
“In Borno State, only 14 per cent of households have access to handwashing facilities with soap and water, and just 20 per cent of schools have basic hygiene facilities,” she said.
Marcos, however, highlighted UNICEF’s collaboration with the Borno State Government to promote hygiene among schoolchildren. “Through our partnership, we have institutionalised group handwashing in 50 schools, benefiting about 20,000 pupils. This initiative has made handwashing a daily and structured activity in schools,” she explained.
Calling for greater government commitment, Marcos said, “We respectfully urge our leaders at the state and national levels to prioritise investment in hygiene education and handwashing infrastructure in schools. It is a cost-effective way to improve health, school attendance, and workplace productivity.”
Also speaking, the Director of Hygiene at the Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Gana Mala, emphasised the importance of hygiene in preventing diseases.
“Promoting handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest ways to reduce waterborne diseases, improve nutrition, and enhance general well-being,” she said. “Let us make handwashing a daily habit — not just today, but every day.”
The 2025 Global Handwashing Day focuses on accelerating action to achieve universal access to hygiene, particularly in schools and communities vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
