FG, Nestlé unveil Nat’l Water Quality Handbook to strengthen water quality standards

Federal Government and Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Tuesday launched the National Water Quality Handbook to strengthen water quality standards in Nigeria.

The Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, in a goodwill message delivered by Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestle Nigeria Plc, at 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference held in Abuja, with the theme ‘Water Quality in a Changing Climate: Policies, Innovation and Practice’.

Elhusseini said water remains fundamental to life, public health, and economic development, hence, water stewardship is central to his company’s purpose and its long-term business resilience. 

He further stated that as a food and beverage company, water is indispensable across their value chain, from responsible agricultural sourcing to manufacturing of the products they bring into
Nigerian homes daily. 

The maiden edition of the conference was held in 2025, and the conference serves as a platform to dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders committed to safeguarding the nation’s water resources.

The conference had in attendance, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, representatives of the Organised Private Sector, OPS, WASH, River Basin Development Authorities, State Ministries of Water Resources, the Academia, secondary schools, media, and other stakeholders.

He said: “We recognise that our responsibility extends beyond efficient water use within our operations to active participation in protecting shared water resources and supporting access to safe water for communities.

“We understand that addressing water quality and access challenges requires ongoing effort, innovation, and accountability. 

“Progress hinges on continued collaboration among all stakeholders. Nestlé Nigeria remains dedicated to working with all stakeholders to support
national water and sanitation priorities, contributing our technical expertise, and nurturing partnerships that yield measurable impact.

“Today holds special significance as we launch the National Water Quality Handbook, developed in partnership with Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and OPS WASH. 

“This handbook embodies our joint commitment to strengthening water quality standards, enhancing compliance, and building technical capacity across various sectors.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev in a keynote address delivered at the conference noted that the challenge of water quality in Nigeria is traceable to climate change impacts including devastating floods and droughts.

Utsev said: “This annual conference continues to serve as an important national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s water resources and ensuring access to safe drinking water for all Nigerians.

“The theme for this year’s conference, “Water Quality in a Changing Climate: Policies, Innovation and Practice,” reflects one of the most pressing challenges facing water resources management today. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality that is already altering rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and placing additional pressure on water resources and water quality.

“In Nigeria, the effects of climate variability are increasingly visible. The devastating floods experienced in several parts of the country in recent years, prolonged drought conditions in some parts of the northern region of the country, and the growing pressure from pollution and urbanization have significantly impacted both surface and groundwater quality.

“These developments remind us that water quantity and water quality can no longer be managed separately. Flooding can mobilize pollutants into water sources, drought can concentrate contaminants, and poorly managed waste systems can further degrade our water bodies.”

However, the Minister said addressing these complex challenges therefore requires integrated, science-based, and climate-resilient approaches. 

“It is in recognition of these realities that this year’s conference will focus on three important sub-themes: Impacts of Drought, Flood and Pollution on Water Quality; Integrating One Health Approaches into Water Safety Planning; and Building Resilience Against Climate-Driven Contamination Risks.

“These thematic areas will enable stakeholders to explore the complex interactions between climate change, environmental health, water safety, and public health protection.”

Meanwhile, the Minister disclosed that the maiden edition of the conference held in 2025 produced a communiqué containing key recommendations most of them have been implemented by the Ministry, and others ongoing.

However, he pointed out that water resources management is not only for the Federal Government, he also called on the State Governments “to establish and strengthen Water Regulatory Agencies in line with existing water laws. 

“In addition, the Ministry has continued to advocate for the adoption and implementation of the Nigerian Road-map for Water Quality Management by State Governments. This road-map provides a structured framework for improving water quality governance across the country.”

The Minister declared the 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference open that will end on Wednesday April 1,2026.