Poor water sanitation cost Nigeria’s economy N455bn annually – Nestlé
Nestlé Nigeria Plc has disclosed that poor water sanitation has cost the Nigerian economy about N455 billion annually, adding that there is an urgent need to improve the country’s water sanitation measures. The corporate communications and sustainability lead at Nestle, Victoria Uwadoka made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday at the Nestlé water quality advocacy […]
Nestlé Nigeria Plc has disclosed that poor water sanitation has cost the Nigerian economy about N455 billion annually, adding that there is an urgent need to improve the country’s water sanitation measures.
The corporate communications and sustainability lead at Nestle, Victoria Uwadoka made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday at the Nestlé water quality advocacy launch.
She said, “The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) research in 2024, shows that more than 113 million Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water. Even more alarming, an estimated 87,000 children under five die annually from diarrhea linked directly to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. Broader studies suggest that over 70,000 lives are lost each year to waterborne diseases.
“Subsequently, Poor sanitation costs the economy an estimated N455 billion every year, straining families and institutions alike. This is why Nestlé and the OPS-WASH conceived the Quality Water Advocacy Campaign to create awareness and to catalyse action to address the water quality challenges.”
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Also speaking, Business Executive Officer, Mr. Olutayo Olatunji stated that the Quality Water Advocacy Campaign is calling for, not just water in quantity, but water in quality. “That is why Nestlé is also focused on water stewardship and sustainability. Beyond production, we have pledged to certify all our sites under the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard by 2025, reinforcing our commitment to protecting local watersheds, engaging communities, and promoting sustainable water management,” he added.
Earlier the minister of water resources and sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev who was represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the ministry stated that, “The Nationwide Assessment of Drinking Water is designed to collate national data and track Nigeria’s progress toward SDG 6.1.1, the proportion of the population with access to safe drinking water.”