By: Peace Udugba.
As part of its continued commitment to ensuring access to safe water for all Nigerians, Nestlé Nigeria has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to launch a National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign. The initiative seeks to raise awareness, educate communities, and foster multi-stakeholder collaboration on water safety and sustainable water management practices.
The partnership, unveiled in Abuja, during a courtesy visit by Nestlé Nigeria and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), underscores the government’s dedication to delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by enhancing access to clean water and proper sanitation across the country.
During the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, expressed appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing its critical role in addressing ongoing public health challenges like cholera and diarrhea, as well as broader issues such as flooding and climate resilience.
He assured Nestlé of the Ministry’s full backing and promised prompt collaboration to ensure the campaign achieves tangible results. “The Ministry is fully committed to partnering with Nestlé Nigeria to enhance water quality nationwide. This initiative aligns with our mandate to guarantee safe water access and promote the health and wellbeing of every Nigerian,” the Minister said.
Speaking on the company’s role, Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, emphasized the company’s dedication to improving lives through safe water access and community engagement. She stated, “Nestlé is committed to supporting national efforts to ensure every Nigerian has access to safe and clean water. Through this campaign, we aim to educate, empower, and collaborate with communities and stakeholders to drive lasting impact.”
“Water is essential to life, yet millions of Nigerians remain at risk due to unsafe water sources. Our campaign is not just about raising awareness, it’s about shifting behaviors and building partnerships that deliver lasting impact. We’re working across communities, industries, and institutions to help close the knowledge gap, improve water safety, and support national health outcomes.”
She emphasized that the campaign rests on three pillars: building awareness and knowledge, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and driving long-term, sustainable action.
Providing additional perspective, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, shared details of the initiative’s community reach:
“We are taking a long-term, impact-led approach. In Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, 16 communities will benefit from water quality interventions, while 8 communities in Agbara, Ogun State, are also included. In addition, two agricultural communities will receive water harvesting systems to support irrigation and food production.”
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry and OPS-WASH, reaffirming cross-sector commitment to accelerating access to clean, safe water for all Nigerians.
