Nestlé Nigeria, ministry in pact to drive nationwide water quality campaign

Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has reiterated the commitment of the ministry to collaborate with Nestlé Nigeria and other Organised Private Sector (OPS) players to improve water quality across the country.

“The Ministry is committed to working with Nestlé Nigeria to improve water quality across the country. This partnership is in line with our mission to ensure safe water access and support the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians,” stated Utsev, while pledging the ministry’s full support for Nestlé’s campaign to deliver impactful results.

He made this known during the recent courtesy visit to the Minister to discuss partnership with the ministry to launch a national water quality advocacy campaign aimed at raising awareness, educating communities, and mobilizing multi-stakeholder action around water safety and sustainable water practices.

Utsev, in welcoming the partnership initiative noted the importance of tackling persistent public health threats such as cholera and diarrhea while also addressing challenges related to flooding and climate resilience.

The collaboration, announced in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Nestlé and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), reinforces the government’s commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through improved access to clean water and sanitation.

“Water is essential to life, yet millions of Nigerians remain at risk due to unsafe water sources. Our campaign is not just about raising awareness, it’s about shifting behaviors and building partnerships that deliver lasting impact. We’re working across communities, industries, and institutions to help close the knowledge gap, improve water safety, and support national health outcomes,” Victoria Uwadoka, corporate communications, public affairs, and sustainability lead, Nestlé Nigeria, stated.

Uwadoka emphasised that the campaign rests on three pillars: building awareness and knowledge, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and driving long-term, sustainable action. According to her, the meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry and OPS-WASH, reaffirming cross-sector commitment to accelerating access to clean, safe water for all Nigerians.

“We are taking a long-term, impact-led approach. In Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, 16 communities will benefit from water quality interventions, while 8 communities in Agbara, Ogun State, are also included. In addition, two agricultural communities will receive water harvesting systems to support irrigation and food production,” Nicholas Igwe, national coordinator, OPS-WASH, stated in regard to the initiative’s community reach.