ManufacturersProperty/Environment

Nestlé Nigeria collaborates with government to drive nationwide water quality campaign

L-R: Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria, Toju Egbebi; Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestle Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation in Nigeria, Honourable Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Global Head & Nigeria National Coordinator, Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, and APWEN National Vice President and OPS-WASH Head of Zonal Coordinator, Engr. Nnenna Igwegbe, during a visit to the Minister to discuss partnership on a National Water Quality Advocacy campaign in Abuja recently.

Nestlé Nigeria in pursuit to ensure safer water for all Nigerians is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to launch a National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign.

The initiative aims to raise awareness, educate communities, and mobilize multi-stakeholder action around water safety and sustainable water practices.

The collaboration which was announced in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Nestlé and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), reinforces the government’s commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through improved access to clean water and sanitation.

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev welcomed the partnership, while highlighting its importance in tackling persistent public health threats such as cholera and diarrhea as well as addressing challenges related to flooding and climate resilience.

Utsev assured the Ministry’s full support for Nestlé’s campaign and pledged timely collaboration to deliver impactful results,  adding “The Ministry is committed to working with Nestlé Nigeria to improve water quality across the country. This partnership is in line with our mission to ensure safe water access and support the health and well-being of all Nigerians.”

Speaking on the company’s role, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, said: “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.”

Uwadoka underscored that the campaign rests on three pillars: building awareness and knowledge, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and driving long-term, sustainable action.

On his part, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, shared details of the initiative’s community reach, noting “We are taking a long-term, impact-led approach. In the 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 had in attendance senior officials from the Ministry and OPS-WASH, reaffirming cross-sector commitment to accelerating access to clean, safe water for all Nigerians.