Nestlé Nigeria has teamed up with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
to launch a National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign aimed at promoting water safety,
raising public awareness, educating communities, and encouraging collective action toward
sustainable water practices.
The partnership was officially announced in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Nestlé Nigeria
and representatives of the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
(OPS-WASH) to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev welcomed the collaboration,
describing it as timely and critical in addressing ongoing public health concerns such as
cholera and diarrhoea outbreaks. He also emphasised the campaign’s relevance in
confronting broader issues like flooding and climate change resilience.
The Minister expressed the Ministry’s commitment to fully support Nestlé’s initiative and
pledged the government’s cooperation to ensure the campaign delivers tangible, impactful
outcomes.
The Ministry is dedicated to collaborating with Nestlé Nigeria to enhance water quality
nationwide, aligning with its core mission of ensuring safe water access and promoting the
health and well-being of all Nigerians,” said the Minister.
Highlighting Nestlé’s role in the initiative, Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate
Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, stated, “Water is fundamental to
life, yet millions of Nigerians still face the dangers of unsafe water. This campaign goes
beyond awareness it’s about changing behaviours and fostering partnerships that create
lasting impact. We are engaging communities, industries, and institutions to bridge the
knowledge gap, improve water safety, and support national health goals.”
She noted that the campaign is anchored on three key pillars: increasing awareness and
education, involving stakeholders at every level, and driving long-term, sustainable change.
Offering further insight, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, outlined the
community-focused scope of the initiative. “We are adopting a long-term, impact-driven
strategy,” he said. “In the Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, 16 communities will benefit from water quality interventions, while eight additional communities in Agbara, Ogun State, are also set to be covered. Furthermore, two agricultural communities will receive water harvesting systems to support irrigation and enhance food production.”
The meeting, held in Abuja, brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Water
Resources and Sanitation as well as representatives from OPS-WASH. Their presence
underscored a shared commitment across sectors to improve access to clean and safe
water for all Nigerians, through collaborative and sustainable solutions.
