In a bid to enhance water safety and sustainability across the country, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWRS) has entered into a strategic partnership with Nestlé Nigeria to advance national Water Quality Management Campaigns. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the water sector.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, announced the partnership during a courtesy visit by Nestlé Nigeria’s management and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), led by Nestlé’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, at his office in Abuja.
The announcement was confirmed in a press statement issued on Friday by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry.
Prof. Utsev underscored the critical role of water resource management in preventing public health crises such as cholera and diarrhea, and in addressing the challenges of flooding. He pledged the Ministry’s full support and collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria to deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
“The Ministry is committed to working with Nestlé Nigeria to improve water quality across the country. This partnership is in line with our mission to ensure safe water access and support the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians,” the Minister stated.
Permanent Secretary of FMWRS, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, praised Nestlé Nigeria’s presentation and reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to support the water quality improvement initiative.
Speaking for Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka emphasized the need to address the widespread knowledge gap concerning water quality.
“Not all clear water is clean. Poor water quality continues to affect health and increase the prevalence of waterborne diseases. Through our National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign, we aim to raise awareness, educate communities, engage stakeholders, and drive sustainable action,” she said.
Uwadoka explained that the campaign is structured around three core pillars: Raising Awareness and Educating, Engaging Stakeholders, and Driving Sustainable Action.
Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, highlighted the long-term vision of the collaboration, which he said goes beyond conventional Corporate Social Responsibility.
“This initiative targets water infrastructure rehabilitation. In the Federal Capital Territory’s Abaji Area Council, 16 communities will benefit, alongside 8 communities in Agbara, Ogun State. Two farming communities in these areas will also benefit from water harvesting systems for irrigation,” Dr. Igwe explained.
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Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, noted that the ongoing baseline report on water quality and parameters will significantly enhance the partnership’s effectiveness.
Present at the meeting were top Ministry officials including Mr. Babarinde Segun Mukaila, Director of Water Supply; Engr. Adeyinka Adenopo, Director of Planning and Technical Support Services; and other directors from the Department of Water Quality Control and Sanitation—Habu Jamilu, mni, Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels—as well as Chucks Mbaike, Director of Special Duties.
