Abuja: The Federal Government, Nestl© Nigeria Plc, and the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPSWASH) have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing water quality in Nigeria. This collaboration aims to safeguard citizens from water-related diseases and improve overall public health across the nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, Global Coordinator of OPSWASH, emphasized the importance of this partnership at a recent Training of Trainers workshop on the Water Quality Handbook in Abuja. He highlighted the necessity of extending water quality advocacy beyond project sites to reach communities nationwide. The private sector’s role, he noted, is to support government efforts by providing communities with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect water quality.
The Water Quality Handbook, introduced on April 1 with assistance from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, aims to enhance public understanding of water quality. It educates communities on the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of water, along with the health and economic impacts of consuming unsafe water.
The Training of Trainers program is designed to establish a network of master trainers who will disseminate this knowledge to states, local government areas, and communities. This initiative is set to bolster collaboration with state governments, ensuring trainers receive the necessary support to effectively implement the campaign.
Dr. Igwe stressed that unsafe water is a significant contributor to diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid, with far-reaching implications for productivity and economic development. He underscored the importance of healthy communities in building a robust economy.
The partnership’s impact is further illustrated by Nestl©’s Water Regeneration Project, which addresses water access, quality, governance, and sustainable agricultural water management. The project is committed to supplying substantial volumes of water to communities in Abaji and Agbara, corresponding to Nestl©’s annual bottled water output from these areas. Community involvement in the project’s design and execution promotes ownership and sustainability, including support for irrigation water-harvesting systems.
Representing the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Habu Jamilu reiterated the government’s dedication to partnerships that enhance water quality nationwide. He emphasized that mere access to water is insufficient without ensuring its quality to protect against waterborne diseases. The ministry is committed to collaborating with OPSWASH and other stakeholders to fortify water quality management and public awareness.
The training program arrives at a crucial time, coinciding with the rainy season, which heightens the risk of water contamination due to flooding. Participants are encouraged to utilize the knowledge acquired to advocate for safe water management and mitigate health risks from contaminated floodwater.
Engr. Nnena Igwegbe of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) highlighted the fundamental role of water quality in public health, food security, and sustainable development. She emphasized the need for coordinated action across government, private sectors, and communities to address water-related challenges.
Mr. Saidu Shuaibu from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) underscored the timeliness of the training, given the increased flood risks. He urged participants to apply their knowledge to safeguard communities from health hazards posed by floodwater contamination.
OPSWASH, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, operates as a global platform promoting private-sector involvement in the WASH sector through corporate social responsibility, financial innovation, and technological advancements. Following the introduction of the Water Quality Handbook at the 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference, the ministry has initiated a nationwide implementation of the National Water Quality Management Campaign. The workshop aims to cultivate master trainers from relevant government bodies, development partners, academia, and professional institutions.