Nigeria’s economy suffers an estimated loss of ₦ 455 billion every year due to poor sanitation, with devastating consequences for homes, companies and national productivity.
Losses are largely driven by water transmitted diseases, which claim more than 70,000 lives annually, according to the data of the World Bank and local research.
The impact is particularly severe on children, with more than 87,000 children under five dying every year by diarrhea linked to insecure water, sanitation and hygiene practices.
The research carried out by the corporate responsibility and public participation of Africa (CAPCA) in 2024 also revealed that more than 113 million Nigerians lack access to drinking water.
In response to this crisis, Nestlé Nigeria, in association with the private sector organized in water, sanitation and hygiene (PAHO-Wash), has launched the Nestlé quality water defense campaign to create awareness and boost water quality and safety throughout the country.
Speaking at the presentation of Abuja on Wednesday, Victoria Uwadoka, corporate communications, public matters and sustainability leaders in Nestlé Nigeria, said that the initiative seeks to close the knowledge gap on water safety, which is often overlooked despite its central role in health and economic development.
“Bad sanitation costs the Nigerian economy around N455 billion every year, trying both families and institutions,” said Uwadoka. “Water quality is not only a technical or political problem, but a matter of human dignity, survival and socioeconomic sustainability. Unsament water is an enemy for health and well -being.”
He explained that the campaign will be implemented in three phases: commitment to critical stakeholders, the launch of national consciousness and large -scale deployment through media channels, base mobilization and community events.
The program will also take advantage of associations with PAHO-Wash, government ministries, academia, civil society and the media.
Praising the initiative, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev (represented in the event), said that the campaign is aligned with the broader objective of the government to guarantee universal access to safe water.
“Contaminated water remains a main cause of preventable diseases, undermining public health, productivity, education and national development,” said the minister. “Without access to safe water, Nigeria’s sustainable development goals are still incomplete. This defense is, therefore, both timely and transformative.”
Nestlé emphasized that improving water quality requires collective and multisectoral action, emphasizing that people, the government, the private sector and communities have a role to play in the construction of a safer and healthier water system for the future of Nigeria.
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