Water safety stands as one of the most critical pillars of public health and community well-being. It encompasses the systems, practices and policies that ensure water is safe for human consumption, agricultural use and industrial processes. Beyond being a basic human right, access to clean and safe water is the foundation of sustainable development and a healthier society.
Yet, across Africa, millions continue to face water insecurity. Contaminated water sources, inadequate sanitation infrastructure and poor waste management contribute to widespread waterborne diseases and loss of life. Promoting water safety, therefore, is not just about providing water; it is about ensuring that every drop is clean, reliable and life-sustaining.
Every individual, household, business and government has a role to play in maintaining the purity and sustainability of water resources. When communities adhere to water safety principles, proper waste disposal, pollution prevention and safe water handling, they help prevent disease outbreaks, environmental degradation and the economic losses tied to unsafe water practices.
African brands, too, have a vital role in this mission. Through advocacy, innovation and investment, they can help turn awareness into action, driving long-term change across the continent. One company standing at the forefront of this effort is Nestlé Nigeria, whose recent initiative underscores its dedication to water stewardship and public health.
To strengthen the national conversation around clean water, Nestlé Waters Nigeria has launched the Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign, a bold initiative designed to raise awareness about the urgent need for water quality across the country.
Developed in partnership with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), the campaign aims to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding the invisible but deadly threats posed by contaminated water. The launch event, held in Abuja, brought together top government officials, private sector leaders and civil society advocates to discuss strategies for protecting Nigeria’s water sources and improving community well-being.
Driving a National Movement for Water Quality
At the heart of the campaign lies a shared vision: to take the message of water safety to every level of society from policymakers and schools to businesses and rural communities.
Speaking at the event, Olatunji Olutayo, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to quality and sustainability.
He said: “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 dedication to sustainable water use, community engagement, and responsible watershed management.”
Olutayo emphasised that the advocacy campaign aligns with Nestlé’s global sustainability agenda, promoting universal access to safe water, ensuring transparent monitoring and encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“Our central message is clear, water safety must become a priority in every home, business, and public institution,’’ he added.
Empowering Communities to Safeguard Water Sources
In his reaction, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, highlighted the critical importance of equipping Nigerians with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their water sources.
“Water is life, yet millions of Nigerians are unaware of the quality of the water they consume daily, this campaign is not just about awareness; it’s about empowering people to protect their health by safeguarding their water. When we protect our water, we prevent disease and build a stronger, healthier nation,’’ he said.
Government Applauds Private Sector Collaboration
The initiative has received strong endorsement from the Federal Government. Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, praised Nestlé Waters and OPS-WASH for their timely collaboration.
“I commend Nestlé Waters and OPS-WASH for this initiative, which aligns with our national drive to ensure that every Nigerian has access to clean and safe water. Contaminated water remains one of the leading causes of preventable diseases in Nigeria. This advocacy could not have come at a better time,” she said.
The Minister noted that nationwide water quality assessments are ongoing in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.3.2, which focuses on improving water quality and reducing pollution. He called for continued collaboration between government, the private sector and communities to make safe water a national reality.
Awareness to Action
The campaign also received commendations from the Ministers of Environment and Health and Social Welfare, who noted that it would drive behavioral change and improve water quality nationwide.
According to Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria PLC, described the campaign as the beginning of a long-term movement for water safety.
“Today marks the start of a national movement for water safety in Nigeria. This campaign will not only raise awareness but also provide practical steps for individuals and communities to ensure safe water, improve quality of life and support national development,” she said.
She emphasised that collaboration remains key to sustaining the movement. Quality water should become a conscious aspiration for every Nigerian, by changing behavior and strengthening accountability, which can make aspiration a reality.
Building a Future Where Every Drop Counts
The Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign reinforces Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility and community well-being. It also aligns with OPS-WASH’s mission to mobilise the private sector toward achieving both national and global goals in water, sanitation and hygiene.
Together, Nestlé Waters and OPS-WASH are calling on government agencies, businesses, civil society and individuals to join hands in ensuring that quality water becomes a universal standard for every Nigerian.
