The Federal Government, in collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria Plc, has launched a Water Quality Handbook aimed at strengthening standards, enhancing compliance, and building technical capacity across sectors.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, unveiled the handbook yesterday at the 2026 Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja, themed “Water Quality in a Changing Climate: Policies, Innovation and Practice.”

He stated that the handbook, developed in partnership with the Organised Private Sector (OPS), is part of a nationwide media campaign on water quality awareness through radio and television platforms.

He noted that the initiative is designed to promote safe hygiene practices and encourage responsible water use, adding that the document would extend awareness efforts to grassroots communities.

The Minister described the annual conference as a critical national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s water resources and ensuring access to safe drinking water.

He however warned that climate change is increasingly impacting water resources and quality, citing altered rainfall patterns, rising extreme weather events, and growing environmental pressures.

According to him, recent floods in parts of the country, prolonged droughts in northern regions, as well as pollution and urbanisation, have significantly affected both surface and groundwater quality.

Utsev stressed that water quantity and quality could no longer be managed separately, noting that flooding often introduces pollutants into water sources, while drought conditions can concentrate contaminants.

He said addressing these challenges requires integrated, science-based, and climate-resilient approaches, adding that the conference would focus on key areas including the impacts of drought, flood and pollution on water quality, integration of One Health approaches into water safety planning, and building resilience against climate-driven contamination risks.

Prof Utsev reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global frameworks, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.

Nestle Managing Director who was represented by the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead Victoria Uwadoka in her goodwill message said Nestlé Nigeria understand that Water is fundamental to life, public health, and economic development.

She said “This is why water stewardship is central to our purpose and our long-term business resilience. As a food and beverage company, water is indispensable across our value chain, from responsible agricultural sourcing to manufacturing of the products we bring into Nigerian homes daily.

She stressed that to address water quality and access challenges there is need for more innovation, and accountability and increased collaboration among all stakeholders.

She reiterated the commitment of Nestle Nigeria to work with all stakeholders to support national water and sanitation priorities, contribute their technical expertise, and nurturing partnerships that yield measurable impact.

She stated that the Water Quality Handbook was designed as a practical resource for policymakers, regulators, industry practitioners, and community stakeholders to supports informed decision-making and the consistent application of best practices to safeguard public health.