Nestlé Urges Stronger Public-Private Action on Nigeria’s Water Quality Crisis

James Emejo in Abuja

Nestlé Nigeria Plc has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address the growing challenges of water quality across the country.
The company made the appeal in Abuja during the 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference, themed “Water Quality in a Changing Climate: Policies, Innovation and Practice.”
Nestlé’s Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, reiterated the company’s commitment to responsible water stewardship and sustainable resource management.
She commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for its continued leadership in strengthening water governance nationwide.
According to her, water plays a critical role in public health, economic growth, and overall societal well-being, stressing that sustainable water use remains central to Nestlé’s long-term business strategy.
She said, “As a food and beverage company, water is essential across our entire value chain—from agricultural sourcing to manufacturing. This makes the responsible use and protection of shared water resources a top priority.”
Uwadoka noted that the company remained committed to supporting national water and sanitation goals through partnerships and technical contributions.
A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the National Water Quality Handbook, developed through collaboration between the ministry, OPS-WASH, and other stakeholders.
The handbook is designed to serve as a practical resource for policymakers, regulators, industry operators, and communities, with the aim of improving standards, enhancing compliance, and promoting best practices in water quality management.
Describing the handbook as a critical tool, Uwadoka said it would strengthen decision-making processes and build institutional capacity, while also showcasing the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling systemic water issues.
In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, stressed that water quality and quantity must now be addressed together, particularly in the face of climate change.

He warned that shifting weather patterns—including erratic rainfall, increased flooding, prolonged droughts, and rising pollution levels—are placing significant pressure on both surface and groundwater resources.
Utsev explained that flooding often introduces contaminants into water systems, while drought conditions tend to concentrate pollutants, thereby increasing risks to public health.