Nestlé Waters has unveiled the Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign, a bold initiative aimed at raising nationwide awareness on the importance of safe and quality water across Nigeria. The campaign, developed in collaboration with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), seeks to close knowledge gaps on the hidden dangers of contaminated water while promoting behavioural change and sustainable practices.
The Abuja launch brought together key stakeholders to highlight the critical need to safeguard Nigeria’s water sources, protect public health, and enhance community well-being.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Olatunji Olutayo, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, emphasized the company’s strong commitment to quality, describing it as the foundation of the advocacy: “Water stewardship is a priority for Nestlé Waters. By 2025, we aim for all our sites to be certified under the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard, underlining our commitment to sustainable water use, community engagement, and responsible watershed management.”
He noted that these measures align with the campaign’s objectives of promoting universal access to safe water, transparent monitoring, and multi-stakeholder collaboration for long-term solutions.
Also speaking, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator, OPS-WASH, stressed the urgent need for public awareness: “Water is life, yet millions of Nigerians are unaware of the quality of the water they consume daily. This campaign is not just about raising awareness but empowering people with knowledge and tools to safeguard their health. By protecting our water sources, we can significantly reduce waterborne diseases and build a healthier, more productive nation.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources & Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, reiterated government’s commitment to improving nationwide water quality and welcomed private sector collaboration: “I commend Nestlé Waters and OPS-WASH for this timely initiative, which aligns with our national drive to ensure every Nigerian has access to clean and safe water. Contaminated water remains one of the leading causes of preventable diseases in Nigeria, with severe health and economic implications. This advocacy comes at a critical time.”
He added that ongoing nationwide assessments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6.3.2) framework will guide increased investments in water quality management.
In her remarks, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria PLC, described the campaign as a movement rather than a one-off event: “Today marks the beginning of a national movement for water safety in Nigeria. This campaign will not only raise awareness but also provide practical steps individuals and communities can take to ensure safe water, improve quality of life, and support national development. By turning awareness into action, quality water will become a reality for every Nigerian household.”
Goodwill messages from the Ministers of Environment and Health and Social Welfare praised Nestlé and OPS-WASH for championing the initiative, noting that it will drive the behavioural changes necessary to achieve Nigeria’s SDG targets.
The launch also had in attendance notable stakeholders including Madam Okea Rita, Federal Ministry of Environment; Mrs. Philomena Nwobosi, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Dr. Adebisi Osim (FNSE), President of APWEN; Engr. Nnenna Igwegbe, Vice President APWEN; and Engr. Josephine Onuabuchi, APWEN OPS-WASH North Central Coordinator, among others.
With this advocacy campaign, Nestlé Waters and OPS-WASH are calling on government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and individuals to work collectively towards making safe and quality water a universal standard in Nigeria.