Nestlé Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has embarked on a nationwide campaign to champion water safety and sustainable water practices. This collaborative effort, announced in Abuja during a meeting between Nestlé representatives, members of the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), and the Minister of Water Resources, aims to raise awareness, educate communities, and drive multi-stakeholder action around water-related challenges. The partnership signifies a joint commitment to address critical public health concerns stemming from unsafe water sources and to promote sustainable water management practices across Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to combat waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea, which continue to pose significant threats to public health. He also underscored the importance of addressing water-related challenges within the broader context of climate resilience and mitigating the impact of flooding. The ministry’s commitment to this collaborative effort reflects a national imperative to ensure safe water access for all Nigerians, a fundamental prerequisite for health and well-being. The partnership aims to leverage the expertise and resources of both public and private sectors to effectively tackle these multifaceted water challenges.
Nestlé Nigeria, a key driver of the campaign, emphasizes its commitment to improving water quality across the country. Recognizing water as an essential element for life, the company aims to move beyond awareness-raising to actively shift behaviours and forge partnerships that create lasting positive change. This commitment is reflected in the company’s engagement with communities, industries, and institutions to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding water safety and contribute to improved national health outcomes. The campaign’s strategic focus lies in educating communities about safe water practices, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about water usage, and advocating for responsible water management at all levels.
The campaign’s structure is built on three core pillars: building awareness and knowledge, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and driving long-term, sustainable action. The awareness and knowledge-building pillar aims to disseminate accurate information about water safety and hygiene, equipping communities with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves from waterborne diseases. Stakeholder engagement is crucial for creating a collective responsibility towards water management, bringing together communities, government bodies, and private organizations to collaborate on solutions. Finally, the commitment to long-term, sustainable action signifies a focus on creating lasting change through infrastructure development, policy advocacy, and ongoing community engagement.
The campaign’s practical implementation is detailed by Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, who highlighted targeted interventions in specific communities. In the Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, 16 communities will benefit from dedicated water quality improvement initiatives. Similarly, eight communities in Agbara, Ogun State, are also included in the program. Furthermore, recognising the importance of water for agriculture and food security, two agricultural communities will receive water harvesting systems to support irrigation and enhance food production. This targeted approach ensures that resources are effectively deployed to address specific local needs, maximizing impact and creating demonstrable progress on the ground.
This partnership between Nestlé Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, supported by OPS-WASH, represents a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of water safety and sustainability in Nigeria. The initiative is a testament to the power of cross-sector collaboration in tackling complex challenges and underscores the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the pursuit of safe water for all. By combining public sector leadership with private sector expertise and community engagement, this campaign promises to drive meaningful change and contribute significantly to improved public health and sustainable development goals. The high-level attendance at the launch event, including senior officials from the Ministry and OPS-WASH, further reinforces the commitment and collaborative spirit driving this important national initiative.
