Nestlé Nigeria Plc has commissioned eight climate-smart boreholes and water treatment plants in communities across the Agbara catchment in Ogun State as part of its Water Regeneration Project aimed at improving access to safe and reliable water.
The commissioning marks a significant milestone in the company’s broader initiative, which covers the Agbara catchment in Ogun State and the Abaji catchment in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Water Regeneration Project is built around four key pillars: water access, water quality, water conservation and water governance.
Under the water access component, the initiative provides for 24 climate-smart boreholes, comprising eight in Agbara and 16 in Abaji.
Water quality is being addressed through treatment facilities, routine monitoring, the National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign and practical water safety guidance.
Meanwhile, rainwater harvesting systems support water conservation, while community water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) committees promote effective governance and local ownership.
The committees are also being equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to oversee the facilities, coordinate preventive maintenance, report faults and conduct water quality checks to ensure the infrastructure remains functional and sustainable.
For Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, the initiative connects community development with watershed resilience, responsible water management and long-term business sustainability.
Speaking at the commissioning, Olutayo Olatunji, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, described the development as an important milestone in the company’s commitment to regenerating local water cycles.
“The Agbara commissioning is an important milestone within our wider Water Regeneration Project and reflects Nestlé’s commitment to helping regenerate local water cycles.
By combining treated water infrastructure with local governance and performance monitoring, we are creating a model that improves access, strengthens watershed resilience and delivers enduring value,” Olatunji said.
He added that as work on the remaining project components progresses, the company would maintain its focus on effective implementation and measurable outcomes that benefit host communities while supporting business continuity.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasised the importance of maintaining the facilities to ensure their long-term effectiveness.
“Commissioning a facility is only the beginning; ensuring that it continues to provide safe, reliable and sustainable service is the true measure of success.
It is encouraging that this initiative places strong emphasis on governance and water stewardship through the development of a governance training manual for water regeneration and stewardship,” Utsev said.
Similarly, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commended the collaboration between the private sector, government institutions, regulators and host communities.
“This project demonstrates what strategic public-private collaboration can achieve. By working with regulators, local authorities and host communities, Nestlé has supported an ecosystem for sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water.
The initiative advances Sustainable Development Goal 6 and aligns with Nigeria’s environmental priorities,” Lawal said.
Welcoming the initiative on behalf of the host community, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, Olute III, the Alagbara of Agbara Kingdom, expressed appreciation for the provision of water facilities and urged residents to protect the infrastructure.
“Today is a day of gratitude for the people of Agbara. Safe water touches every part of our lives: the health of our children, the dignity of our homes and the hopes of our families.
Today, it has come closer to all of us. But Agbara has received more than boreholes; we have received a responsibility,” the monarch said.
He called on traditional leaders, community representatives, WASH committees and residents to take ownership of the facilities, prevent misuse and promptly report faults to ensure their continued operation.
According to him, the community must preserve the infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.
Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, highlighted the importance of combining access to water with public education on water safety.
“Through the National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign and the National Water Quality Handbook developed with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and OPS-WASH, we are helping to take water safety knowledge beyond project sites into homes, schools, communities and institutions,” Uwadoka said.
She stressed that access to water must be accompanied by measures to ensure its safety and equip communities with the knowledge required to manage water resources responsibly.
The commissioning reflects collaboration among government authorities, regulators, traditional institutions, community leaders, WASH committees, OPS-WASH and other technical partners.
As work progresses towards completing and handing over the Abaji facilities, Nestlé Nigeria said it would continue to prioritise effective project delivery, transparent validation and community ownership to strengthen water access, enhance watershed resilience and promote long-term sustainability.
About Nestlé Nigeria
Nestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations.
Its product portfolio includes well-known brands such as NESTLÉ PURELIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI and NESCAFÉ, serving consumers across Nigeria with a range of food and beverage products.
