In a bid to enhance public health and strengthen water safety across Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), has launched the National Water Quality Advocacy Handbook. The initiative aims to equip Nigerians with practical guidance to safeguard the quality of water used daily and promote responsible water management at household and community levels.
The handbook was unveiled at the Annual Water Quality Conference hosted by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in Abuja. It represents a key outcome of Nestlé Nigeria’s national Water Quality Advocacy campaign and a strategic step toward advancing water safety and public health nationwide.
Designed to translate complex water safety principles into clear, actionable guidance, the handbook provides practical instructions for households, communities, policymakers, regulators, and industry practitioners. It outlines key steps for identifying risks, safely handling and storing water, applying household treatment methods, and protecting community water sources. It also highlights the importance of everyday behaviours in maintaining water safety, stressing that water which appears clean may still contain invisible contaminants.
Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised the importance of education and awareness in achieving improved water outcomes.
“Improving water quality outcomes in Nigeria requires sustained public awareness and education. Individuals and communities must be equipped with the knowledge to adopt safe practices and protect their health. The Water Quality Handbook represents an important step in this effort, helping to take water safety knowledge directly to communities and promote responsible water use nationwide.” he said.
Representing Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the company’s Managing Director, Wassim Elhusseini. She highlighted Nestlé Nigeria’s long-term commitment to water stewardship, noting,
“Water is fundamental to life, public health, and economic development, and as a food and beverage company, it is essential across our value chain. Through our water business, we are committed to delivering safe, high-quality water to consumers every day. However, that commitment extends beyond our operations to protecting shared water resources and improving access to safe water for communities. By leading the development of this handbook with our partners, we are strengthening water quality standards and promoting safer practices, particularly for individuals and families.”
Achieving safe water outcomes goes beyond technical knowledge and relies on consistent practices at the household and community level, where water is most frequently handled and used.
Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, highlighted the role of coordinated action and community engagement in improving water outcomes.
“Improving water quality outcomes in Nigeria requires coordinated action across stakeholders, from policy to community-level implementation. This handbook helps strengthen awareness, support community education, and identify gaps that require technical and financial support. At OPS-WASH, we remain committed to working with partners to advance integrated solutions that address water and sanitation challenges in a sustainable way.” he said.
Nestlé Nigeria is one of the largest food and beverage companies in Africa, operating in Nigeria for over 62 years. The company delivers high-quality, nutritious products under iconic brands such as MAGGI, MILO, GOLDEN MORN, NESTLÉ PURELIFE, CERELAC, NESCAFÉ, and NIDO. With three manufacturing sites, seven branch offices, and a head office in Lagos, Nestlé Nigeria is committed to improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of individuals and families, supporting thriving communities, and protecting the planet.