Making a difference in Nigeria: The Coca‑Cola foundation provides sustainable access to safe water

Nigeria, 22 March 2025 - World Water Day, held annually on March 22, celebrates water and raises awareness of the approximately 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water, according to the United Nations.

Together with partners, the Coca‑Cola system and The Coca‑Cola Foundation invests in water initiatives that benefit nature and communities. We advance solutions that help provide safe drinking water to those living in vulnerable communities and in water-stressed regions. The Coca‑Cola Foundation's Strengthening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Service Delivery (S-WASH) initiative in Nigeria collaborates with community members, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and local government authorities.

Borno State, a water stressed area in Nigeria, is experiencing a severe water crisis impacting health, education, and quality of life. The S-WASH initiative, implemented locally by the Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF) and WaterAid, has positively impacted six communities, two healthcare facilities, and one public school. Now, more than 16,000 people have better water, sanitation and hygiene services; women are trained as volunteer hygiene promoters; and youth are trained as maintenance artisans.

One of the beneficiaries, Zainab Bulama, a healthcare officer at Gamboru Primary Healthcare Centre in Borno State, Nigeria, said: “Before S-WASH, we lacked clean water. Now, with the rehabilitated borehole and handwashing stations, we can teach hygiene practices and ensure quality care.”

Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca‑Cola Foundation, said: “This water project is an example of our efforts to scale and accelerate access to safe drinking water and improve water security across Nigeria. We are grateful to work with local partners and communities to amplify our impact.”

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About The Coca‑Cola Foundation

The Coca‑Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca‑Cola Company operates and where its employees live and work. It supports transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and leave a measurable and lasting impact. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca‑Cola Foundation has awarded $1.6 billion+ in grants in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.