Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has inaugurated an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Advisory Board, marking a significant step in strengthening sustainable business practices, responsible governance, and long-term enterprise value across Nigeria’s private sector.

The move reflects growing recognition among Nigerian employers that ESG considerations are becoming central to competitiveness, resilience, and access to capital, particularly as global standards and investor expectations continue to evolve.

Mandate and Strategic Role of the Advisory Board

According to NECA, the newly constituted Advisory Board will provide strategic guidance, thought leadership, and practical insights on ESG-related risks and opportunities facing businesses operating in Nigeria. The Board is expected to support companies in embedding ESG principles into core operations, rather than treating sustainability as a compliance-driven or peripheral exercise.

NECA emphasised that the Board’s work will focus on aligning business growth with responsible environmental stewardship, social impact, and sound governance practices.

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Broad-Based Industry Representation

The ESG Advisory Board brings together senior representatives from a cross-section of Nigeria’s corporate and institutional landscape, including financial services, manufacturing, consumer goods, infrastructure, agriculture, and professional services.

Participating organisations include Access Bank Plc, Nigeria Bottling Company Plc, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Dangote Industries Limited, Unilever Plc, IHS (Nigeria) Limited, Olam Agri, Seven Up Bottling Company, Bureau Veritas, Andersen in Nigeria, the Bank of Industry, Sterling One Foundation, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

This diversity is intended to ensure that ESG guidance reflects real-world operational challenges across multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Leadership and Governance Structure

The Advisory Board is chaired by Mr. Femi Jaiyeola, Chief Risk Officer of Access Bank Plc, underscoring the increasing linkage between ESG, enterprise risk management, and financial resilience. Dr. Soromidayo George, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nigeria Bottling Company, serves as Vice Chair.

NECA noted that the leadership structure is designed to balance financial, operational, and sustainability expertise as the Board begins its work.

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International Engagement and Collaboration

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Julie Kazagui, Senior Specialist, Employers’ Activities Bureau for Employers, representing the International Labour Organization (ILO). Her presence highlighted the role of collaboration between employers’ organisations, international institutions, and national stakeholders in advancing responsible business conduct.

NECA stated that engagement with global institutions will remain an important part of its ESG agenda, particularly in areas such as labour standards, governance, and social impact.

Looking Ahead

NECA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting employers as they integrate ESG principles into business strategy, strengthen long-term competitiveness, and contribute to sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

The association congratulated all members of the ESG Advisory Board and expressed confidence that the platform will drive meaningful engagement and practical outcomes for Nigeria’s private sector.

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