Nestlé Nigeria Plc, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), has unveiled a National Water Quality Advocacy Handbook designed to equip Nigerians with practical tools to safeguard water quality at household and community levels, a major step toward improving water safety and public health.
The handbook was officially launched at the Annual Water Quality Conference hosted in Abuja by the Federal Ministry, marking a key milestone in Nestlé Nigeria’s nationwide Water Quality Advocacy campaign. The initiative is aimed at strengthening water safety awareness and promoting healthier practices across the country.
Developed to simplify technical water safety concepts, the handbook provides clear and actionable guidance for households, communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. It highlights critical steps such as identifying contamination risks, ensuring proper water handling and storage, applying household-level treatment methods, and protecting water sources within communities.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, underscored the importance of education in addressing water quality challenges. He noted that improving outcomes requires sustained awareness and the empowerment of individuals and communities to adopt safe practices.
Representing the Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to water stewardship. She emphasized that while Nestlé ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality water through its operations, it is equally focused on protecting shared water resources and improving access to safe water in communities.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, highlighted the need for coordinated efforts across stakeholders. According to him, the handbook will support community education, strengthen awareness, and help identify gaps requiring technical and financial interventions.
The initiative places strong emphasis on behavioural change, noting that water safety is largely influenced by how water is handled and consumed at the household level. It also cautions that water that appears clean may still contain harmful, invisible contaminants.
To ensure broad accessibility, the handbook will be distributed through both digital platforms and physical channels, with support from government agencies and community partners, including RUWASSA. A nationwide grassroots sensitization campaign is also planned to drive adoption of safe water practices.
Stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to access the handbook and promote water safety awareness within their communities as part of a collective effort to prioritise safe water across Nigeria.
About Nestlé Nigeria:
Nestlé Nigeria Plc is one of Africa’s leading food and beverage companies, with over six decades of operations in Nigeria. The company is committed to enhancing quality of life through its portfolio of trusted brands and sustainable initiatives that support community wellbeing and environmental protection.
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