Nestlé Nigeria water management efforts advance with new initiatives and a national handbook supporting sustainable water access and quality

Nestlé Nigeria Plc has reiterated its commitment to sustainable water management as part of its long-term business resilience strategy and contribution to national development, during the 2nd Annual Water Quality Conference 2026 held in Abuja on Tuesday.

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Speaking at the event, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, emphasised that water remains essential not only to public health but also to economic growth and industrial sustainability across sectors.

She noted that for a major player in the food and beverage industry, water is a critical input across the entire value chain, from agricultural sourcing to manufacturing, making responsible management an operational necessity rather than a peripheral concern.

The company highlighted that its approach extends beyond internal efficiency measures to include broader efforts aimed at safeguarding shared water resources and improving access to safe water in surrounding communities.

These initiatives are designed to deliver measurable impact while supporting long-term environmental sustainability.

As part of its ongoing water stewardship agenda, Nestlé Nigeria has invested in solar-powered and data-driven solutions aimed at enhancing water access, quality, and safety.

The company described these interventions as central to its efforts to generate tangible volumetric water benefits and strengthen resilience in water-stressed environments.

A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the National Water Quality Handbook, developed through a public-private partnership involving Nestlé Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and OPS WASH.

The handbook is intended to provide a practical framework for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to adopt consistent standards and best practices in water quality management.

Uwadoka underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable outcomes, stressing that progress depends on coordinated efforts among government, private sector actors, and development partners.

She reaffirmed Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to supporting national water and sanitation priorities through partnerships that deliver measurable and lasting impact.

She described water stewardship as central to the company’s purpose, adding that its responsibility extends beyond operational usage to active participation in protecting shared water resources and expanding access to safe water in communities.

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The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on collaborative approaches to environmental sustainability, with stakeholders leveraging shared expertise to address water challenges and promote responsible resource management across Nigeria.