Nigerian Stock Exchange Releases 2015 Sustainability Report

Goddy Egene

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday released its 2015 Sustainability Report titled: “Ushering in a new era of sustainability in the Nigerian market place.” The report, the second edition, demonstrates how the exchange showcases the importance of sustainable business practices in delivering value and supporting economic growth.

The NSE said the report, which is in accordance to the Global Reporting Initiative G4 Guidelines aligns with its Corporate Social Responsibility framework and covers the four key impact areas it has devoted attention and resources. The areas are market place, community, workplace and environment.

Commenting on the report, the Chief Executive Officer of NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said: “As we strive to create durable wealth for our stakeholders, the NSE continues to highlight the importance of sustainable business practices in delivering value and supporting economic growth. In 2015, we continued the holistic implementation and integration of the NSE Corporate Sustainability Strategy into our day-to-day operations, in order to effectively manage risks and business development opportunities. While we are pleased to report that we have held ourselves accountable to the highest standards, we are also intensifying our advocacy efforts to support the integration of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) imperatives in the Nigerian capital market.”

On the market place, the NSE said it promotes market-based approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) imperatives amongst all stakeholders.
“Our major achievements include: assessed and rated all companies on the premium board using the Corporate Governance Rating System, executed advanced capital market awareness programme in over 50 Nigerian tertiary institutions,” the exchange said.

Regarding the community, the NSE said it makes positive contributions to the communities where we it live and work.
Key progress recorded are: implemented 172 Financial Literacy programmes across the nation, reaching 15,000 people, launched Adopt-A-School Programme at Oke-Odo High School, Lagos. Under the pilot scheme, 52 teachers were trained on soft skills, information & communication technology and financial intelligence; 250 students participated in career workshop; and a Learning and Development Centre was donated to the school; 50 Federal and State Universities benefitted from a book donation progamme; Organised the 2nd edition of the NSE Corporate Challenge with over 500 runners and over 27 million impressions on twitter,” the exchange said.

On the workplace, the NSE noted that as a responsible employer, the it fosters engaging and high performing work environment that facilitates diversity, well-being and development of our people.
“During this period, the CSR Champions Network and Employee Volunteering Scheme was launched and 21 per cent of employees signed up for the Employee Volunteering programme,” the exchange said.

Explaining its efforts regarding the environment, the NSE said it is committed to reducing the impact of its operations on the environment.
“Through an environmental management approach, the Exchange has been able to: achieve 70 per cent of lighting load reduction and 20 per cent overall energy savings, translating to 1,392,717 kilowatts saved from July to December, 2015 and recycle eight per cent of waste generated at the NSE,” it said.

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