By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government and Nestlé Nigeria Plc have launched a nationwide campaign aimed at addressing unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation, issues estimated to cost the Nigerian economy over ₦455 billion annually.
Speaking at the Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign in Abuja, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasized the government’s renewed focus on improving water quality.
He was represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation.
Utsev cited findings from the 2021 National Water Report, which revealed widespread contamination of drinking water at the point of consumption.
He stressed that without access to safe water, achieving sustainable development remains out of reach.
“Contaminated water continues to drive preventable diseases, undermining health, education, and productivity,” Utsev noted, urging stronger collaboration through initiatives like advocacy campaigns and national policy conferences.
He also called for increased investment in water quality monitoring and stricter enforcement of standards.
Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted alarming statistics from a 2024 study by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), stating that over 113 million Nigerians still lack access to safe drinking water.
She added that poor sanitation contributes to the death of an estimated 87,000 children under five each year due to diarrhoea, with more than 70,000 other deaths linked to waterborne diseases.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness, strengthen policies, and mobilize community action to improve access to clean water and sanitation across Nigeria.