Nestle Nigeria empowers communities through sustainable community development
By Abimbola Mohammed
In an era where consumers concentrate on brands and companies that take social responsibility seriously, more companies are strategically looking for ways to make remarkable impact in different communities.
Innovative and forward-thinking businesses are filling the gaps by providing and supporting communities through building infrastructure, financial assistance, investing in local talents, skill development, partnership with local leaders, food insecurity, enhancing quality of life, disaster relief etc.
Nestle, a leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company remains one of the leading companies at the forefront of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria. For decades, the company has demonstrated its commitment to giving back to the communities where it operates.
Through various initiatives and programs, Nestle Nigeria has positively impacted thousands of lives, promoting sustainable development, improving the quality of life for individuals and families, from health, to education, women empowerment, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development etc.
Some of its early intervention CSR initiative focuses on creating shared value, addressing pressing social and environmental issues in rural communities.
History of Nestle Passion for Community projects
Nestle understands the importance of giving back to the community because it’s in its DNA, the founder of the company Henri Nestle was a great supporter of community development.
In continuation of the founder’s core strength, Nestle is determined to continue this legacy through Nestlé Cares for Communities, which helps amplify the impact of our partners’ work in the communities that made us who we are today.
In 2023, two thirds of Nestlé giving, valued at CHF 177.4 million, was made up of product donations mainly to foodbanks or disaster relief agencies.
In a statement, Victoria Uwadoka, the Nestlé Nigeria Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, noted that the company is committed to creating shared values and well-being of communities in Nigeria.
“At a time when economic challenges place added strain on families nationwide, we’re proud to provide meaningful financial support that eases this burden. By investing in education, we’re not only empowering individual students but also fostering the growth and prosperity of our entire community.”
Notable community projects by Nestles Nigeria
As a company that recognizes hygiene practices, Nestle Nigeria invested in a water and sanitation facility that serves over 500 individuals in Adie Owe, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government of Ogun State. The facilities serve individuals, educators, learners in the school and several families within the community.
LG Primary School Adie Owe also benefited from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK), a school-based nutrition and health education program built on four pillars: Healthy Nutrition, Healthy Hydration, Physical Activity and Hygiene.
In the same vein Nestle Nigeria also initiated a water project in the northern part of Nigeria. A water project that provided clean drinking water and also alleviated the burden on women and children, who previously trek long distances to access water.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Nestle Nigeria constructed boreholes, latrines, and hand-washing facilities in rural communities, promoting hygiene and disease prevention.
Nestle also through its women empowerment initiative introduced a series of programmes such as “Nestle Nigeria’s Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria” designed to educate and empower women to be financially and economically independent.
The programme helps rural women to scale up their retail businesses and sustain the new level up to three times the size of their existing businesses through training, mentorship, and grants in the form of Nestlé products that contribute significantly to the wellbeing of Nigerians.
The company has implemented various health initiatives, focusing on maternal and child nutrition, and disease prevention.
On maternal and child nutrition: Nestle Nigeria partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health to improve maternal and child nutrition through education and micronutrient supplements.
For malaria prevention: The company distributed insecticide-treated mosquito nets to vulnerable communities, reducing malaria cases.
Impact and Benefits of some of the project
Nestle Nigeria’s community development efforts have yielded significant benefits, including: improved health outcomes, increased access to education, enhanced economic empowerment, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability among others.
Nestle Nigeria’s commitment to community development demonstrates its dedication to creating a better future for Nigerians. Through sustainable initiatives and partnerships, the company continues to empower communities, driving positive change and improving lives.
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