The Federal Government of Nigeria and Nestlé Nigeria Plc have joined forces to combat the significant economic losses caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation, estimated at a staggering â¦455 billion annually. Highlighting the urgent need to address these pressing issues, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of drinking water nationwide. This initiative was launched during the Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign held in Abuja, where the government pledged to intensify its efforts in this crucial area.
According to the 2021 National Water Report, indicators of drinking water contamination at consumption points within Nigeria are concerning. Prof. Utsev underscored the detrimental impact of contaminated water on public health, productivity, and education, emphasizing that achieving sustainable development goals hinges on ensuring access to safe water. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts through initiatives like the advocacy campaign and the annual Water Policy Conference to foster consensus and drive effective solutions in addressing these challenges.
Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, raised alarm over findings by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in 2024, revealing the substantial economic burden of poor sanitation in Nigeria. She highlighted that over 113 million Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water, with approximately 87,000 children under five succumbing annually to diarrhoea linked to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Uwadoka emphasized the critical role of the advocacy campaign, developed in collaboration with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), in bridging the knowledge gap on water quality and safety across public and private sectors.
Mr. Olutayo Olatunji, Business Executive Officer at Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to upholding global best practices in water stewardship. Nestlé aims to certify all its sites under the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard by 2025, underscoring its dedication to safeguarding local watersheds, engaging communities, and promoting sustainable water management practices. This proactive approach aligns with Nestlé’s broader sustainability goals and underscores the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing environmental and public health challenges.
Key Takeaways:
– Unsafe water and poor sanitation in Nigeria lead to significant economic losses, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address these pressing challenges.
– Government initiatives, such as the Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign, aim to improve water quality and sanitation standards nationwide to enhance public health and drive sustainable development.
– Nestlé’s commitment to water stewardship, exemplified by its adherence to global best practices and certification goals under the AWS Standard, showcases the company’s dedication to sustainable water management and community engagement.
Tags: quality control
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