Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, nutrition advocacy, and community engagement during the “Nutrition for All Life Stages Workshop” held at its Agbara Factory on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Toju Egbebi, Nestlé’s Corporate Affairs Manager, emphasized that the company is leveraging Public Relations as a tool for meaningful impact. “Everything we do in Nigeria is produced here. While some raw materials are imported, the core of our operations focuses on local production and impact,” she stated.
The factory, which employs over 1,000 people, serves as a hub not just for manufacturing, but also for social impact. Egbebi explained that Nestlé embraces the mantra, “Good for us, good with society.” This philosophy guides their various community projects, including youth training, water access initiatives, plastic recycling, and sustainable agricultural partnerships.
Nestlé’s investment in sustainability is evident in its recycling policies. “For every plastic we put out, we retrieve as much,” she noted, underscoring the company’s environmental responsibility. Nestlé also provides WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities in its host communities and supports agricultural training for local farmers. Through these initiatives, the company has significantly reduced grain rejection rates—from 80% to less than 5%—by training farmers and improving product quality. Over 95% of the female farmers engaged have seen notable increases in their income.
Nestlé’s dairy demonstration farm in Abuja is another key initiative. Designed with government support, the farm not only produces milk but also serves as a training center for aspiring farmers.
Highlighting the role of media in shaping perceptions, Egbebi encouraged journalists to participate in Nestlé’s shared capacity training with Lagos Business School and the annual Nigerian Media Awards. “You are a major part of our partnership,” she said.
Experts at the workshop stressed the importance of proper nutrition throughout life stages.
Dr. Pat Chimah-Madubuko, a dietitian and facilitator, urged Nigerians—especially pregnant women—to embrace healthy diets. “Nutrition must be rich in macro and micronutrients. A pregnant woman’s energy needs increase significantly in the second and third trimesters,” she said, debunking the myth that women should “eat for two.”
Dr. Kanalio Olaloku of the Nestlé Nutrition Institute, Central West Africa, described malnutrition as a ticking time bomb in Nigeria, especially in the North-East. She cited United Nations data projecting an increase in acute malnutrition cases among children—from 1.74 million in 2024 to 2 million in 2025.
Nestlé’s food fortification initiative emerged as a major highlight. “Over 95% of our products have been fortified to provide at least 15% of our daily nutrient needs per serving,” Olaloku said. These nutrients include Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine, Zinc, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Phosphorus. She called for increased awareness around Iron Deficiency Anaemia and praised Nestlé’s partnerships aimed at promoting better dietary choices.
During a tour of the Agbara facility, Development Chef Punshak Mark explained the factory’s operations, including the cooking processes and conditions necessary to maintain food quality. The factory incorporates sophisticated control points and temperature-sensitive systems to ensure product integrity.
The distribution network was also spotlighted. With major distribution centers in Agbara (the largest in Africa), Shagamu, Abaji, and Otta, Nestlé ensures products are stored under optimal conditions. “We go the extra mile to prevent product contamination, such as never storing Golden Morn beside detergents,” Mark said.
As Nestlé continues to align business objectives with societal needs, its strategic PR efforts stand as a blueprint for how corporate organizations can foster sustainable development and national progress.
Nestlé Nigeria Champions Nutrition, Sustainability, Community Empowerment Through Strategic PR
ByHyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor
Apr 11, 2025
Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor
Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor is a seasoned journalist and the CEO/Founder Belch Digital Communications, publishers of Hybrid News Nigeria.