Water Safety in Focus with Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign

Nestlé Waters has unveiled the Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy campaign, a bold initiative aimed at raising national awareness on the need for quality water across Nigeria.

This campaign was developed in collaboration with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH).

Nestlé Waters and OPS-WASH have committed to taking the advocacy for quality water to all segments of society, from policymakers and businesses to schools, and grassroots communities, with the intent to close the knowledge gap around the invisible threats posed by contaminated water.

The launch event in Abuja brought together key stakeholders to emphasise the critical importance of protecting the nation’s water sources in order to protect public health and enhance community well-being.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Olatunji Olutayo, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages , highlighted Nestlé’s strong commitment to quality which is the foundation for the water quality advocacy campaign.

Speaking on Nestlé Waters quality standards, he said: “Nestlé Waters is committed to high-level water stewardship across its operations. By 2025, the company has pledged that all its sites will be certified under the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard, reinforcing its emphasis on sustainable water use, community engagement, and watershed management.”

He said that these measures align closely with the objectives of the advocacy campaign: promoting universal access to safe water, ensuring transparent monitoring and accountability, encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration, and pushing for sustainable, long-term solutions.

“Our central message is clear, water safety must become a priority in every home, business, and public institution,” he added.

Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator, OPS-WASH, on his part said “Water is life, yet millions of Nigerians are still unaware of the quality of the water they consume daily. This campaign is therefore about more than raising awareness; it is about empowering people with the tools and knowledge they need to safeguard their health by safeguarding their water sources. By knowing and protecting our water sources, we can significantly reduce the burden of 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. Eliszabeth Ugo, Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, emphasised the government’s commitment to improving water quality nationwide and welcomed private sector collaboration in tackling water-related challenges.

In his words: “I wish to commend Nestlé Waters and OPS-WASH for this timely initiative, which aligns with our national drive to ensure that every Nigerian has access to clean and safe water. Contaminated water continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable diseases in the country, with serious health and economic implications. This advocacy therefore comes at a critical time, as water quality management remains a top priority for government.”

He explained that nationwide assessments are ongoing in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.3.2, adding that increased investments in water quality management will remain central to government’s agenda. “Nestlé has set the tone. It is now up to all of us, government, private sector, and communities – to build on this momentum so that safe water becomes a reality for every Nigerian household,” he concluded.

In their goodwill messages, the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Health and Social Security, commended Nestlé and OPS-WASH for undertaking the campaign, noting that it would facilitate the improvement of the quality of water across Nigeria, by creating more awareness to drive the behavioural changes necessary to achieve SDG6.3.2.

Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria PLC, described the campaign as a national movement for water safety rather than a one-off programme.

“Today marks the beginning of a national movement for water safety in Nigeria, but this is only the first step. This campaign will not only raise awareness but also provide practical steps that individuals and communities can take to ensure safe water, improve the quality of life, and support national development.”

She added: ”Collaboratively, we aim to turn awareness into action and a lasting change so that quality water becomes a conscious aspiration for every Nigerian. By also engaging all stakeholders from policy makers to the implementation agencies, quality water will go from aspiration to a reality supported by behavioural change.”

The Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy reinforces Nestlé Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community well-being.

It also aligns with OPS-WASH’s mission to mobilise the private sector in achieving national and global water, sanitation, and hygiene goals. Together, both organisations are calling on government agencies, businesses, civil society, and individuals to play their part in ensuring that quality water becomes a universal standard in Nigeria.

Present at the press launch were representatives of the Federal Minister of Environment, represented by Madam Okea Rita; Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Mrs. Philomena Nwobosi; Dr. Adebisi Osim (FNSE) President Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Engr. Nnenna IGWEGBE Vice President, and Engr. Josephine Onuabuchi, APWEN OPS-WASH North Central Coordinator and others.