Dangote, Access Bank, LCCI, BAT, Others Welcome ESG as Core Long-term Competitive Option 

Dike Onwuamaeze 

Leading Nigerian corporate entities has described embracing Environmental Social Governance (ESG) concept as a core long-term business competitive option.

They made this declaration yesterday in their respective goodwill messages at the “ESG State of Play Report Launch Conference,” which was organised by the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said that the report is a ground-breaking assessment developed by NECA with the support of the ILO to depend understanding, strengthen awareness, and foster collective action on ESG practices among employers and key stakeholders across the country.

The Group Chief, HSSE and Sustainability Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. James A. Adenuga,  commended NECA and the ILO for charting a Nigeria-specific ESG framework and for advancing sustainable enterprise development across our nation.

He said, “Today, we stand at a pivotal moment for Nigerian business. Environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance excellence are no longer optional; they are core to long-term competitiveness, resilience, and inclusive growth.”

He said that the report provided a clear map of “where we excel, where we must improve, and the opportunities that lie ahead for employers, policymakers, and investors alike.

“Let us prioritise sustainable growth that benefits employees, communities, and shareholders.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Chinyere Almona, enjoined stakeholders to treat the report as a call to action to build businesses that are competitive, ethical, inclusive, and environmentally responsible. 

Almona said, “The future belongs to organisations that not only create economic value but also uplift society and safeguard our planet.”

She commended NECA “for championing this critical conversation at a time when responsible business conduct is no longer optional, but essential for national competitiveness and sustainable growth.”

She added that globally, investor surveys are indicating that a significant majority now factor ESG performance into their decisions, and locally, we continue to see rising expectations from regulators, communities, and consumers.

In her goodwill message, the External Affairs Director, BAT West and Central Africa, Ms. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, said that in today’s volatile and interconnected world, ESG principles are no longer a peripheral corporate concern; they are the bedrock of responsible enterprise development. 

She said, “The narrative has shifted. We are no longer just ‘creating awareness,’ we are defining our own standards. 

“Finally, it has moved from ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ to ‘Corporate Accountability.’

“We are seeing a shift where access to capital, from green bonds to sustainable loans, is directly tied to measurable impact. The ‘State of Play’ is that ESG is now a financial imperative.”

She added that sustainability depends on meaningful collaboration. “Today’s insights will guide us in forging the partnerships needed to unlock Nigeria’s ESG-driven potential. Let’s join hands to shape Nigeria’s Sustainability roadmap and strengthen employer engagement in ESG-driven growth!”

Chief Risk Officer, Access Bank PLC, Mr. Femi Jaiyeola, said that across the world, ESG has become central to how businesses attract investment, manage risk, and demonstrate accountability. 

Jaiyeola said that despite the fact that the global ESG momentum is facing headwinds from recent policy shifts and anti-ESG sentiment, which have led to the exit of major United States of America and international banks from the United Nations-led Net-Zero Banking Alliance and created uncertainty and slowed progress on global climate finance commitments, leading organisations are doubling down on robust, business-driven ESG strategies. 

“Now, more than ever, credible action and transparent reporting are essential to maintain trust and drive sustainable growth.

“The World Bank continues to support climate finance and sustainable development projects, particularly in developing countries, and is working to maintain momentum on ESG.

“In Nigeria, that momentum is building and employers as key economic actors, must be 

empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and platforms to lead this transition.”