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| L-R: Toju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestle Nigeria, Honourable Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation in Nigeria, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, Global Head & Nigeria National Coordinator, Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene and Engr. Nnenna Igwegbe, APWEN National Vice President and OPS-WASH Head of Zonal Coordinator during a visit to the Minister to discuss partnership on a National Water Quality Advocacy campaign in Abuja recently. |
As part of its ongoing commitment to public health and environmental sustainability, Nestlé Nigeria has partnered 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 drive collective action on water safety and sustainable water practices across Nigeria.
The partnership was formally announced during a courtesy visit by Nestlé Nigeria and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH) to the Ministry in Abuja. The collaboration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes improved access to clean water and sanitation as a critical pillar for national development.
Speaking at the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasized the urgency of tackling public health challenges such as cholera, diarrhea, and the broader impacts of climate change.
“The Ministry is committed to working with Nestlé Nigeria to improve water quality across the country,” he stated. “This partnership aligns with our mission to ensure safe water access for all and support the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.”
Representing Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, underscored the company’s dedication to creating shared value through health-focused interventions.
“Water is essential to life, yet millions of Nigerians remain at risk due to unsafe water sources,” Uwadoka noted. “This campaign is about more than awareness—it’s about shifting behaviors and forging partnerships that drive long-term impact. Through community education and stakeholder engagement, we aim to improve water safety and support broader national health outcomes.”
She explained that the advocacy campaign is anchored on three key pillars: Building awareness and knowledge, Engaging stakeholders at all levels and Driving sustainable, long-term action.
Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, elaborated on the initiative’s community reach: “This is a long-term, impact-driven program. In Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, 16 communities will benefit from targeted water quality interventions, while 8 communities in Agbara, Ogun State, are also included. Furthermore, 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 representatives from OPS-WASH, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating access to safe and clean water for every Nigerian.