As cholera outbreaks and unsafe water sources continue to threaten millions across Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria has joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to launch a National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign that aims to change the story of water in Nigeria from crisis to confidence.
The partnership, officially announced in Abuja during a high-level meeting involving government officials and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), comes at a time when poor water quality remains a significant factor in Nigeria’s public health burden.
For Nestlé Nigeria, this campaign represents more than corporate social responsibility. It is part of a broader, purpose-driven agenda to protect lives, build community resilience, and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through tangible improvements in water access and hygiene education.
“We are not just talking about clean water. We are working to make it a reality for families who are still relying on contaminated sources,” said Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria. “This campaign is designed to raise awareness, shift behavior, and create sustainable partnerships that lead to measurable impact.”
Nestlé’s approach is grounded in three core pillars: building public awareness around water safety, engaging with key stakeholders from government to grassroots, and delivering long-term interventions that can outlast any single campaign cycle.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a vital step in addressing urgent health threats such as cholera, diarrhea, and water-related infections. He also linked the campaign to broader environmental concerns, noting that safe water practices are essential for flood management and climate resilience.
“The Ministry is fully committed to working with Nestlé Nigeria. This partnership supports our mission to improve water quality across the country and safeguard the health of Nigerians,” he said during the meeting.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, emphasized the campaign’s reach and community-level impact.
“In Abaji Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, 16 communities are already set to benefit from water quality interventions. In Ogun State’s Agbara axis, another 8 communities are included. We are also installing water harvesting systems in two agricultural zones to support irrigation and boost food production,” he explained.
This national advocacy effort is not only timely but critical. According to recent data from the World Health Organization, unsafe water remains one of the top five causes of child mortality in Nigeria. By targeting awareness and infrastructure gaps simultaneously, the Nestlé-led campaign is positioning itself as a powerful force for change.
While the campaign begins in selected regions, the partners have made it clear that the goal is broader. It is about setting a standard for what is possible when the public and private sectors align around a common purpose.
For Nestlé Nigeria, this is a natural extension of its core values. Beyond food and beverages, the company continues to drive systemic improvements in nutrition, hygiene, and community wellbeing.
