Nestlé, OPS-WASH Launch National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign in Nigeria

Nestlé, OPS-WASH Launch National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign in Nigeria

Nestlé Waters, in partnership with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness on the importance of water quality and safety across Nigeria.

The initiative, unveiled at a high-level event in Abuja, seeks to close the knowledge gap around the dangers of contaminated water while mobilising stakeholders—government, businesses, schools, and communities—to make water safety a national priority.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Olatunji Olutayo, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, said the campaign reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to quality and sustainability.

“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, underscoring our commitment to sustainable water use, community engagement, and responsible watershed management,” Olutayo noted.

Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, described the campaign as both an awareness drive and an empowerment initiative. “Water is life, yet millions of Nigerians are still unaware of the quality of the water they consume daily. By knowing and protecting our water sources, we can significantly reduce the burden of waterborne diseases and build a healthier, more productive nation,” he said.

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—commended the private sector partnership. He said the initiative aligns with government’s ongoing assessments under the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.3.2, which focuses on improving water quality by reducing pollution and protecting water sources.

“Contaminated water remains a leading cause of preventable diseases in Nigeria, with serious health and economic costs. This advocacy comes at a critical time, and I urge all stakeholders—government, private sector, and communities—to build on this momentum so that safe water becomes a reality for every Nigerian household,” the Minister stated.

Goodwill messages from the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare echoed this sentiment, describing the campaign as a catalyst for behavioural change and sustainable action on water safety.

Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, framed the campaign as “a national movement rather than a one-off programme.” She stressed that the advocacy would combine awareness with practical steps for communities to improve water safety and quality of life.

“This is only the first step,” she said. “Collaboratively, we aim to turn awareness into action and ensure quality water becomes a conscious aspiration—and reality—for every Nigerian.”

The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministries of Environment, Health, and Water Resources, as well as members of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).

The Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy campaign reinforces the company’s broader sustainability agenda and OPS-WASH’s mission to mobilise the private sector towards achieving national and global water, sanitation, and hygiene goals.