Nigerian Breweries, Nigeria’s biggest brewing company, is making a big difference by helping communities, protecting the environment, and promoting responsible drinking.
Founded in 1946, Nigerian Breweries Plc stands tall as Nigeria’s biggest and oldest brewing company. This dominant player in West Africa’s beverage market offers a diverse range of products, including lagers, stouts, non-alcoholic malt drinks, and energy drinks. Quality and sustainability form the core values driving this company. Understanding consumer needs, enhancing life enjoyment through their products, and demonstrating care for people and the planet guide their innovative approach and ambitious goals.
Nigerian Breweries has seamlessly incorporated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives into its operations. The company aims to “brew a better world” by focusing on environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, and responsible consumption. Collaboration with stakeholders is central, ensuring shared goals and minimizing negative impacts. By embedding CSR into its business fabric, Nigerian Breweries exceeds industry standards, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable and responsible business practices. This unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on customers, employees, the environment, and society at large sets the company apart.
Nigerian Breweries has developed a robust set of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies. These policies are deeply rooted in the company’s commitment to responsible business practices and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The enterprise is dedicated to supporting the UN SDGs by enhancing its sustainability agenda. The company aims to thrive alongside the planet and its communities.
On the path to becoming an inclusive, fair, and equitable organization, Nigerian Breweries emphasizes diversity, fairness, safety, and community impact. The company’s “Partnership for Growth” program exemplifies this commitment by providing vocational and life skills training to youth in host communities.
Through the “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign, the company has promoted the moderate and responsible consumption of alcohol. By collaborating with various stakeholders like the Federal Road Safety Corps, this campaign has reached over 15 million people nationwide, raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and minimizing the negative impact of irresponsible alcohol use.
Nigerian Breweries has also established the “Brew a Better World (BaBW) 2030” framework to guide its CSR initiatives, placing sustainability and responsibility at the forefront of its business. The company’s CSR policies reflect a profound commitment to responsible business practices.
Weaving Social Responsibility
Nigerian Breweries has rolled out a series of CSR initiatives highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable business practices. These initiatives are strategically aligned with the company’s broader CSR objectives, aiming to foster national development and address pressing societal challenges.
Through the “Partnership for Growth” initiative, Nigerian Breweries targets the economic empowerment of youth, particularly in host communities. This program provides vocational and life skills training, enhancing employability and entrepreneurial potential. In 2023 alone, over 1,500 young Nigerians benefitted, with many establishing small enterprises contributing to local economies. In collaboration with the Industrial Trust Fund (ITF), the company launched an empowerment scheme training 1,000 youths and women nationwide. The focus on skills development yielded tangible results; participants reported an increase in employment rates within their communities, and many ventured into successful business startups.
The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition celebrates exceptional teachers significantly contributing to education and nation-building. Since its inception, this initiative has recognized and rewarded over 50 outstanding educators, with winners receiving grants to further their educational projects. The 2022 winner’s project led to an improvement in student literacy rates in her region. Maltina also engages in CSR outreaches during Ramadan, distributing food and beverages to mosques, and supporting community welfare during the holy month. In 2023, the program reached over 200 mosques, providing essential supplies to more than 50,000 individuals.
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The Women and Youth Empowerment Programme fosters inclusivity and diversity by equipping women and youth from various Nigerian communities with essential skills. Participants of the 2023 program reported an increase in household income, with many women establishing cooperatives to enhance economic stability within their communities.
These initiatives collectively contribute to Nigerian Breweries’ broader CSR strategy, firmly rooted in responsible business practices and sustainable development. The measurable impacts—from economic empowerment, educational advancements, community support, and inclusivity—highlight the company’s dedication to positive societal change.
Nigerian Breweries implements its CSR initiatives through a comprehensive and strategic approach involving various stakeholders, including employees and the community. The company’s multifaceted strategy focuses on partnerships, a robust sustainability agenda, targeted focus areas, employee involvement, and community engagement. A notable example is the Federal Road Safety Corps partnership for the “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign, reaching millions nationwide. Such collaborations enable leveraging external expertise and resources, enhancing the effectiveness of its programs. Â
The “Brewing a Better World” initiative drives the company’s sustainability agenda. This comprehensive strategy focuses on three pillars: social inclusivity, responsible consumption, and environmental sustainability. The BaBW framework guides efforts to integrate sustainability into every business aspect. Nigerian Breweries have identified key areas: promoting social inclusivity by fostering diversity and equity, advocating for responsible alcohol consumption, and pursuing environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and improving water management.
Employees are integral, receiving training on the company’s alcohol policy and equipped with materials to promote adherence to responsible drinking practices. Employees also act as ambassadors, participating in various community projects and initiatives.
Nigerian Breweries is deeply committed to making a positive impact in operating communities. The company engages with local communities through projects advancing education, providing water and sanitation, and equipping individuals with economic empowerment skills. The “Partnership for Growth” program offers vocational and life skills training to Nigerian youths, especially in host communities, exemplifying the dedication to community development and social responsibility.
Real Results and Rewards
Nigerian Breweries has achieved significant measurable outcomes from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, as evidenced by key data points and real-world examples.
In environmental sustainability, the company treated 91% of its wastewater in 2020, surpassing the industry average of 80% in similar regions. It reduced water consumption in breweries by 7.9% since 2018, exceeding the 5% reduction target set by industry standards. Additionally, 94% of waste was diverted from landfill sites across brewery locations, a notable improvement over competitors’ 85% diversion rate.
Committed to achieving 70% renewable energy usage by 2030, the company currently generates renewable biogas from wastewater treatment plants to power boilers, reducing fossil fuel reliance and avoiding harmful COâ‚‚ emissions. This initiative meets 10-15% of a brewery’s process heat demand, saving approximately 600 tonnes of COâ‚‚ annually, positioning the company ahead of peers averaging a 5-10% reduction.
The company aims to treat 100% of its wastewater and fully balance water used in products in water-stressed areas by 2030. Since launching its 2030 water strategy in 2019, Nigerian Breweries has significantly reduced water consumption across all sites, achieving better results than the industry’s average 5% annual reduction rate in recognition of its efforts, Nigerian Breweries won the Best Company in Environmental Stewardship and Best Company in Climate Action categories at the 15th SERAS awards, highlighting its leadership in sustainability practices within the industry.
A study found that Nigerian Breweries’ comprehensive CSR reports enhanced the company’s financial performance, reflecting a positive correlation between robust CSR practices and financial health, aligning with global trends. The company has invested significantly in education, environment, water, youth empowerment, talent development, and sports. For example, its agreement with the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry and IITA Forest Center to reforest 500 hectares of the Olokemeji Forest Reserve in Abeokuta demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
These outcomes and metrics illustrate the positive impact of Nigerian Breweries’ CSR initiatives, setting a benchmark for responsible business practices in the industry.
Joining Hands for Impact
Nigerian Breweries has engaged in several impactful collaborations with NGOs, community organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These partnerships are strategically aligned with the company’s CSR goals and have yielded tangible benefits across various sectors.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigerian Breweries partnered with the Heineken Africa Foundation and WaterAid Nigeria. This collaboration focused on promoting hygiene education and installing over 1,000 handwashing stations in healthcare facilities and other public places, significantly enhancing public health infrastructure.
The company launched an empowerment initiative targeting youth and women in five communities across four key states. This program aims to equip participants with vocational and life skills that foster economic independence and sustainable livelihoods. Nigerian Breweries has also collaborated with the FRSC to address alcohol misuse through the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaign. This nationwide initiative has reached over 15 million people, promoting responsible behavior and reducing road accidents. At its annual Distributor Awards, Nigerian Breweries recognized 374 trade partners and seven transporters for their excellence. This initiative not only honors these partners but also strengthens the supply chain by fostering loyalty and high performance.
These collaborations have produced measurable benefits. The partnership with WaterAid Nigeria and the Heineken Africa Foundation led to improved sanitation in communities, reducing the spread of infectious diseases. The Youth and Women Empowerment Programme has enabled numerous individuals to gain skills that enhance their economic prospects, directly contributing to local economic development. The ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaign has been instrumental in reducing road traffic incidents, thereby saving lives and promoting public safety.
These partnerships are strategically aligned with Nigerian Breweries’ broader CSR objectives. By focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, and safety, these initiatives support the company’s core values of caring for people and the planet, enhancing life enjoyment, and promoting responsible consumption. Additionally, these efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
Overcoming Hurdles
Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria presents numerous challenges. Nigerian Breweries, like many firms, navigates several specific obstacles in its CSR journey:
Many businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises, lack an understanding of CSR benefits and implementation strategies. This knowledge gap often hampers broader CSR adoption across industries. Limited budgets and resources can restrict the scope and effectiveness of CSR programs, especially for smaller companies operating in challenging economic environments. The Nigerian government’s inability to enforce CSR regulations consistently has been a significant impediment. This lack of enforcement undermines efforts to standardize CSR practices across sectors.
Societal issues such as corruption and self-interest pose serious challenges to effective CSR implementation. These factors can divert resources and attention away from genuine CSR efforts. Political instability and social unrest create an unpredictable environment, making it difficult for companies to plan and execute long-term CSR initiatives effectively. Issues such as environmental degradation, climate change, poor corporate governance, and human rights abuses demand urgent attention and action from businesses.
Despite these challenges, Nigerian Breweries has demonstrated significant adaptability and innovation in overcoming these hurdles:
Nigerian Breweries launched a strategic Business Recovery Plan aimed at securing a resilient and sustainable future for its stakeholders. This includes a Rights Issue to restore the company’s balance sheet following significant net finance expenses. The company emphasizes agile cost management, leveraging innovation and customer-centric strategies to navigate market dynamics and drive growth. This approach ensures efficient resource utilization and sustained profitability.
Nigerian Breweries has elevated its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), placing sustainability and responsibility at the forefront of its operations. Initiatives include enhanced environmental stewardship and community engagement programs. By setting bold ambitions and challenging the status quo, the company fosters a culture of imagination, creativity, and pragmatism. This innovative mindset is crucial for developing sustainable solutions and achieving long-term growth.
Nigerian Breweries envisions a sustainable future where its operations meet present demands while contributing to a healthier planet and society. Central to this vision is the “Brew a Better World (BaBW) 2030 Ambitions,” which integrate sustainability into the company’s core business strategy. By 2030, the company aims to significantly elevate its climate action targets, enhance its social impact, and promote moderate alcohol consumption.
In the spirit of “Raising the Bar,” the enterprise has outlined specific commitments across social, responsible, and environmental dimensions. These include achieving an inclusive, fair, and equitable corporate culture and working towards a net-zero environmental impact. The flagship “Partnership for Growth” program aims to equip Nigerian youths, especially in host communities, with vocational and life skills to foster economic independence and support livelihoods.
A notable environmental commitment is the reforestation initiative collaborating with the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, aiming to restore 500 hectares of the Olokemeji Forest Reserve in Abeokuta. This project is part of the broader sustainability agenda to mitigate climate change impacts and preserve biodiversity. Nigerian Breweries’ dedication to environmental stewardship is further evidenced by its pursuit of carbon neutrality, increasing the use of renewable electricity and thermal energy in production processes.
To address the growing demand for raw materials and pressure on the environment, Nigerian Breweries is transitioning from a “take-make-waste” model to a “reduce-reuse-recycle” framework. This circular economy approach ensures long-term resource sustainability, aiming for a future where food, water, and prosperity are accessible to all by 2050.
These detailed commitments and innovative approaches highlight Nigerian Breweries’ strong dedication to CSR and sustainability. By setting clear targets and employing cutting-edge technologies, the company contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for all stakeholders.
