The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Federal Government to increase investment in hand washing infrastructure and hygiene education, warning that poor hand washing in Nigeria remains a major public health concern, with only eight per cent of citizens able to demonstrate proper techniques.
UNICEF Officer in Charge of the Maiduguri Field Office, Dr. Marie Marcos, disclosed this during a media mission to schools in Borno State to mark the 2025 Global Handwashing Day.
Marcos said while most Nigerians understand when to wash their hands, few know how to do it correctly.
“Ninety-nine per cent of Nigerians are aware of when to wash their hands, but only eight per cent can demonstrate proper hand washing techniques,” she said. “Only 17 per cent of households and 35 per cent of schools have basic facilities with soap and water.”
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She added that UNICEF, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, has introduced group hand washing in 50 schools, reaching about 20,000 pupils.
Marcos called for sustained government commitment to improve hand washing in Nigeria, stressing that better hygiene practices will enhance school attendance, public health, and workplace productivity.
“We respectfully call on our government at both state and national levels to prioritise and increase investment in hand washing infrastructure and hygiene education,” she said.
The UNICEF official emphasised that improving hand washing in Nigeria is key to preventing diseases and building healthier communities.