The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) is taking a decisive step towards eradicating open defecation in Nigeria by joining forces with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH). In a remarkable initiative, NBC has commissioned WASH facilities in the Idumagbo and Oyingbo communities in Lagos State. This collaborative project, aimed at eliminating open defecation by 2025, is made possible by the generous one-million-euro donation from the NBC’s parent company, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company.
Mrs. Soromidayo George, the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director of NBC, emphasized the company’s commitment to making a positive impact on communities through sustainable development projects. Mrs. George expressed her delight in providing support to thousands of Nigerians who lack access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities for healthy living. The establishment of a 10-room toilet facility equipped with a bore-hole, over-head tank, water taps, bio-digester, and sanitary facilities demonstrates NBC’s dedication to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6).
Furthermore, Mrs. George reiterated that these facilities were established in support of the Federal Government’s ambitious goal to eliminate open defecation by 2025. Jerome Oyebanji, the Corporate Affairs & Community Partnerships Manager of NBC, acknowledged the challenging nature of this target, emphasizing the necessity of partnerships to improve public health in the country.
Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, the Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at NBC, assured that the company would continue to make a significant difference in various communities throughout Nigeria. Dr. Nicholas Igwe, the National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, commended NBC’s efforts towards water sustainability and expressed his delight in the collaboration between the two organizations.
