In a significant step toward improving public health and sustainable water access in Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria has joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to launch a National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign. The initiative was unveiled in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Nestlé’s team and the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH).

The advocacy campaign is designed to increase awareness, educate communities, and foster collaborative action toward improved water quality and sustainable resource management. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on strengthening access to clean water across rural and urban communities.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, underscored the urgency of water quality management in tackling major public health threats like cholera and diarrhea, while also mitigating flood-related challenges due to climate change.

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to ensuring safe water for every Nigerian. We fully support Nestlé’s campaign and will work closely to ensure successful outcomes,” the Minister affirmed.

Representing Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, highlighted the gravity of unsafe water in Nigeria, emphasizing that millions of Nigerians remain exposed to waterborne diseases due to poor water quality.

“Not all clear water is clean,” Uwadoka stressed. “Our campaign isn’t just about information—it’s about behavioral change, strong partnerships, and sustainable results.”

According to her, the advocacy is structured around three strategic pillars:

• Building awareness and education
• Engaging stakeholders across public and private sectors
• Driving sustainable, long-term solutions

Expanding on the campaign’s reach, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, revealed that:

• 16 communities in Abaji Area Council (FCT) and
• 8 communities in Agbara, Ogun State,
  will benefit from direct water quality interventions.

In addition, two agricultural communities—one each in Abaji and Agbara—will be provided with water harvesting systems to support irrigation and improve food production, contributing to agricultural resilience in the face of climate instability.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Ministry, noted that a baseline report on water quality and key parameters is currently being compiled. This report will guide and enhance the scope and impact of the campaign in the months ahead.

Other top ministry officials in attendance included Mr. Richard Pheelangwah (Permanent Secretary), Mr. Babarinde Segun Mukaila (Director, Water Supply), Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo (Director, Planning & Technical Support Services), and Mr. Chucks Mbaike (Director, Special Duties), among others.

This partnership underscores the powerful role of corporate-public collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation. Through this campaign, Nestlé Nigeria and the Federal Government are taking bold, proactive steps to safeguard water quality, enhance public health, and strengthen Nigeria’s water infrastructure.