Nestlé Waters, in partnership with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign to promote water safety and raise awareness about the dangers of contaminated water in Nigeria.
The Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign was unveiled in Abuja, bringing together government officials, industry experts, and community leaders. The campaign aims to empower households, schools, and businesses with knowledge and tools to protect water sources and reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.
Nestlé’s Commitment to Water Stewardship
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Olatunji Olutayo, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, said the company’s mission goes beyond business to improving community well-being.
“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 stated.
He added that Nestlé’s water advocacy aligns with key goals: universal access to safe water, transparent monitoring, stronger partnerships, and sustainable long-term solutions. “Our central message is clear, water safety must become a priority in every home, business, and public institution,” Olutayo said.
OPS-WASH: ‘Water is Life’
Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, stressed the importance of awareness and behaviour change.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the initiative could significantly reduce the burden of waterborne diseases and foster a healthier, more productive society.
Government Endorsement
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Water Resources & Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, commended the initiative, describing it as timely.“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,” he said.
The minister added that the government is conducting nationwide water quality assessments in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.3.2. “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.
The Ministers of Environment and Health and Social Welfare also sent goodwill messages, stressing the role of private-public collaboration in tackling Nigeria’s water challenges.
‘A National Movement for Water Safety’
Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, said the campaign is not a one-off event but the start of a long-term national movement.
“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 explained.
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.”
Call to Action
The Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy underscores the company’s wider commitment to sustainability while reinforcing OPS-WASH’s mission to mobilise the private sector in achieving Nigeria’s water, sanitation, and hygiene goals.
The campaign calls on government, businesses, civil society, and individuals to play their role in ensuring every Nigerian household has access to clean water.
The launch was attended by senior representatives from the Federal Ministries of Environment and Health, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), and other stakeholders.