Across Nigeria, the struggle for reliable water and sanitation facilities is a pressing issue, especially in rural areas where infrastructure is often sparse or outdated. Without access to essential WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, communities suffer from high rates of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and child absenteeism in schools, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and poor health. In 2018, the federal government declared a state of emergency in the WASH sector, launching a National Action Plan aimed at improving water and sanitation infrastructure.
Despite these efforts, widespread infrastructure and funding challenges persist. Addressing the critical needs of communities has required the intervention of private-sector partners like Nestlé Nigeria, whose targeted WASH initiatives are making a significant difference in host communities.
Its recent commissioning of its eighteenth Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facility is a milestone in corporate intervention in rural development. With over 14 million litres of clean water flowing daily through these facilities, the N62.292 million investments between 2022, 2023 till date is a transformative approach to community development.
The significance of Nestlé’s intervention becomes clearer against the backdrop of global water scarcity. While Cape Town’s “Day Zero” water crisis made headlines in 2018, similar scenarios play out silently across Nigeria, where the World Bank reports 179 million people—87 percent of the population—lack access to safe drinking water.
Wassim Elhusseini, MD/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, contextualizes this reality: “Water isn’t merely a resource—it’s the foundation of community wellbeing.” This philosophy drives Nestlé’s comprehensive approach, which extends beyond mere borehole drilling to encompass complete sanitation ecosystems.
In Flint, Michigan, the water crisis exposed how infrastructure failures can devastate communities. Similarly, in Nigeria’s rural areas, 39 percent of households struggle without basic water access. Yet, Nestlé’s intervention in ten Ogun State schools, serving 4,000 learners and educators, demonstrates how corporate initiative can bridge this infrastructure gap.
Since 2021, Nestlé Nigeria has commissioned 18 WASH facilities in Ogun State alone, providing over 14 million liters of clean, safe water to schools and communities each day. These facilities, which include water points and sanitation compartments in local schools, now serve more than 4,000 students and educators, as well as countless community members. In 2023, Nestlé completed new WASH projects in Wesley School 2 in Sagamu and Local Government Primary School in Ketu Adie Ovie, ensuring that over 930 learners now have access to clean drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
This investment reflects Nestlé’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6), which aims for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030. Nestlé’s Corporate Communications Manager, Victoria Uwadoka, emphasized, “The absence or inadequacy of water and sanitation services poses a significant health risk, contributing to school absenteeism and malnutrition. Providing clean water and WASH facilities is one of the pillars of our Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program, which is pivotal in creating a healthier environment for children.”
Nestlé’s efforts in Nigeria mirror successful WASH initiatives led by companies worldwide. In India, for instance, Hindustan Unilever’s ‘Suvidha Centres’ provide clean water and sanitation to underserved communities in Mumbai, reaching over 50,000 people each month. These centers are vital in slum areas where basic water and hygiene access is scarce, improving community health and reducing preventable disease transmission.
In Kenya, Coca-Cola has partnered with the Global Environment & Technology Foundation through the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) to fund community-based WASH programs. These initiatives have provided over 600,000 Kenyans with water access, enabling better hygiene practices and empowering women and children who traditionally bear the burden of water collection. By funding and facilitating these programs, Coca-Cola has helped local governments bridge significant resource gaps, fostering long-term community development.
These examples highlight how private-sector contributions in water access and sanitation are instrumental in enhancing community health and creating educational opportunities for children, who are often the most impacted by inadequate WASH facilities.
Impact on the Community: A Partnership Model for Lasting Change
Nestlé’s collaboration with Ogun State’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has also gained recognition from the government. Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, commended Nestlé’s efforts, stating, “This contribution to the welfare of future leaders is invaluable. Providing water and sanitation facilities in schools not only improves the learning environment but fosters the development of a healthy and capable generation.”
Nestlé’s WASH projects have resonated positively among local leaders as well. Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, Chairperson of SUBEB, described the initiative as a “milestone in our drive to improve personal hygiene and well-being in schools and the broader society.” By strategically partnering with government agencies, Nestlé ensures these initiatives align with community needs and national development goals, fostering trust and accountability in every project.
Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to community development extends beyond WASH initiatives. Through educational scholarships, healthcare programs, and nutrition awareness campaigns, the company supports a holistic approach to community well-being. By focusing on water access and sanitation, Nestlé is investing in the health, education, and resilience of communities, creating a strong foundation for future generations.
Clean water and sanitation are not just necessities; they are catalysts for economic growth, health, and education. Through its WASH initiatives, Nestlé Nigeria demonstrates how businesses can drive sustainable impact by investing in essential services for underserved communities. With continued support from the private sector, collaborative efforts with the government, and a commitment to sustainable practices, communities like Funmilayo’s have renewed hope for a healthier, more equitable future. Nestlé Nigeria’s work sets a powerful example, showing that responsible corporate citizenship is not only possible but essential for a nation’s progress.
