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 a National Water Quality Advocacy Handbook to promote safe water practices and protect public health.
The handbook was unveiled at the Annual Water Quality Conference held in Abuja, marking a key milestone in Nestlé Nigeria’s national water quality advocacy campaign.
Designed to simplify technical water safety concepts, the handbook provides practical guidance for households, communities, policymakers and industry stakeholders on safeguarding water quality. It outlines steps for identifying contamination risks, ensuring safe water handling and storage, adopting household treatment methods, and protecting water sources at the community level.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasised the need for sustained awareness and education to improve water quality outcomes across the country. He noted that equipping individuals and communities with the right knowledge is critical to promoting safe practices and protecting public health.
Also speaking, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Victoria Uwadoka, reiterated the company’s commitment to water stewardship, noting that access to safe water is essential for health, economic development and sustainable livelihoods.
She added that the initiative reflects Nestlé’s broader commitment to protecting shared water resources and improving access to safe water beyond its operations.
On his part, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, Dr Nicholas Igwe, stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing water and sanitation challenges. He noted that the handbook would strengthen community awareness, support education efforts and help identify gaps requiring technical and financial intervention.
The organisers disclosed that the handbook would be distributed through digital platforms and physical channels, including government and community partners such as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSA). A nationwide grassroots sensitisation campaign is also planned to drive adoption of safe water practices.
They urged stakeholders and communities to utilise the resource as part of efforts to make water safety a national priority.
