Nestlé Nigeria is stepping up efforts to support safer water access and more sustainable farming practices through two major initiatives in partnership with government agencies and development organisations. The company’s recent engagements highlight its commitment to addressing public health, food security, and climate resilience across the country.
Driving a National Campaign for Clean, Safe Water
In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Nestlé Nigeria has launched a National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign. This initiative aims to increase public awareness, educate communities, and mobilise collective action around water safety and sustainable management.
The partnership was formalised in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Nestlé Nigeria and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH). It supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by prioritising improved access to clean water and sanitation—a critical need given persistent challenges such as cholera outbreaks, flooding, and climate change impacts.
At the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, welcomed the partnership, stressing its significance for public health:
“Clean water is not just a necessity—it is a right and a responsibility,” the Minister said. “The Ministry is fully committed to working with Nestlé Nigeria and other partners to enhance water quality nationwide, ensuring healthier lives for our people.”
The Ministry pledged full support and timely collaboration to ensure the initiative delivers practical, impactful results.
Building Awareness and Local Action
Nestlé’s campaign focuses on three pillars: building awareness and knowledge, engaging stakeholders across all levels, and promoting sustainable long-term action.
Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, explained:
“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 behaviours and building partnerships that deliver lasting impact.”
She emphasised the importance of collaboration across communities, industries, and institutions to close knowledge gaps and improve national health outcomes.
Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, shared specific plans for community engagement:
“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.”
Senior officials from the Ministry and OPS-WASH reaffirmed their shared commitment to accelerating access to safe, clean water for all Nigerians, underscoring the value of baseline data for guiding effective interventions.
L-R: Toju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestle Nigeria, Honourable Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation in Nigeria, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, Global Head & Nigeria National Coordinator, Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene and Engr. Nnenna Igwegbe, APWEN National Vice President and OPS-WASH Head of Zonal Coordinator during a visit to the Minister to discuss partnership on a National Water Quality Advocacy campaign in Abuja recently.
Promoting Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Food Systems
Beyond water, Nestlé Nigeria is also investing in the sustainability of local food systems through its MAGGI Regenerative Agriculture (RegenAg) pilot project.
Launched in 2023 with over ₦100 million in investment, the initiative has supported more than 1,030 smallholder soybean farmers across Nigeria, helping them adopt techniques such as cover cropping, hedgerows, ripping, and crop rotation to restore soil health and improve yields.
Implemented with technical guidance from the Centre for No-Till Agriculture (CNTA) Ghana and executed by TechnoServe, the pilot aligns with global climate goals while boosting farmer livelihoods.
“This project is helping smallholder farmers embrace sustainable farming techniques that have boosted productivity while regenerating the land,” said Alidu Amadu, Head of Agriculture Service at Nestlé Central West Africa Region.
Celebrating Impact and Scaling Up
At a recent event celebrating the pilot’s success, over 150 stakeholders—including five award-winning farmers—highlighted progress in strengthening the value chain for locally sourced grains, a key ingredient in MAGGI seasoning cubes.
“Soybean is essential for delivering the taste and nutrition our consumers love,” said Rahamatou Zakari-Adamou Palm, Category Manager for Culinary at Nestlé Nigeria. “To produce MAGGI locally and responsibly, we must ensure our ingredients are sourced sustainably.”
Building on the pilot’s success, Nestlé has announced a scaled-up project targeting 25,000 smallholder farmers, with the goal of producing at least 80,000 metric tonnes of quality grains annually, 20% of which will be grown using climate-smart practices.
“By empowering farmers—especially youth and women—with regenerative practices, we are not only improving livelihoods but also taking real action on our net-zero goals,” said Victoria Uwadoka. “This is how we nourish Nigeria today while protecting tomorrow.”
A Broader Commitment to Sustainability
These initiatives underscore Nestlé Nigeria’s broader sustainability agenda and its commitment to building resilient systems for health, food security, and climate adaptation. Through collaborative action with government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities, the company is working to deliver tangible, lasting benefits for Nigerians today and for generations to come.