Dettol Nigeria, the country's leading hygiene brand, has officially opened entries for the “Dettol Original 12hrs Protection Challenge,” a nationwide consumer storytelling competition designed to promote consistent hygiene habits among Nigerians. The challenge, running from 13 July to 15 August 2026, invites participants to create and share a 60-second video on Instagram featuring a bar of Dettol Original Soap and recounting their personal Dettol story. Up to 25 winners will receive a range of exciting prizes, with full details available on the brand's Instagram page.
Encouraging Hygiene Through Personal Stories
Through this initiative, Dettol aims to highlight the real experiences and memories that have connected generations of Nigerians with the brand, while fostering meaningful conversations around everyday protection, hygiene, and family wellbeing. Boma Harrison, Marketing Director of Reckitt West Africa, explained the campaign's purpose: “Every day, Nigerians are exposed to germs as they commute, work, attend school and carry out their daily activities. The ‘12 Hour Protective Shield’ campaign is our way of reminding and encouraging people to make hygiene a consistent part of their everyday routines. With regular use, Dettol Original supports the skin’s natural germ fighters for 12 hours. We want Nigerians to go about their daily routines with confidence, knowing they are protected every step of the way.”
Building on the 12 Hour Protective Shield Campaign
The consumer challenge is a key component of Dettol's broader “12 Hour Protective Shield” campaign, which centers on Dettol Original Antibacterial Bar Soap. This soap provides a 12-hour protective shield against germs, supporting the skin's natural defenses. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), proper hygiene can reduce diarrheal diseases by up to 30% and acute respiratory infections by up to 17%, underscoring the importance of consistent hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. These statistics highlight the potential impact of widespread adoption of simple hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing with antibacterial soap.
Timely Launch During Nigeria's Rainy Season
The campaign's rollout coincides with Nigeria's current rainy season, which has already brought heavy flooding to Lagos and several other states. Health experts have repeatedly warned that contaminated floodwater raises the risk of cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne illnesses in its aftermath. Against this backdrop, Dettol Original Soap takes on added relevance for Nigerians navigating the season, offering a practical solution to maintain hygiene when access to clean water may be compromised. The brand's long-standing commitment to hygiene education and germ prevention aligns with current public health needs, making the challenge both timely and impactful.
Celebrating Generations of Protection
For decades, Dettol has championed hygiene education and encouraged behaviors that help prevent the spread of germs. By inviting consumers to share personal stories of protection, care, and everyday hygiene, the “12 Hour Protective Shield” campaign and its consumer challenge seek to celebrate the role Dettol has played in Nigerian households for generations while inspiring healthier habits for the future. Participants are encouraged to reflect on how the brand has been part of their family's routine, from childhood memories to current practices, and share these narratives through creative video submissions.
How to Participate
Interested individuals can enter by posting a 60-second video on Instagram that features Dettol Original Soap and tells a personal Dettol story. The submission must include relevant hashtags and tag the official Dettol Nigeria account. The competition runs until 15 August 2026, after which 25 winners will be selected and announced via the brand's Instagram page. Prizes include Dettol product bundles and other exciting items. For more information, including terms and conditions, participants are advised to visit Dettol Nigeria's Instagram channel.
