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By Chioma Umeha
One of the leading beverage alcohol companies,
Guinness Nigeria Plc, has released its Sustainability Report for 2016, displaying
its performance on various aspects of its operations and the strategy of
achieving future targets in line with Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) of
ensuring healthy communities.
The report was unveiled in Lagos on Wednesday, at
a formal ceremony attended by various stakeholder groups and partners such as
the Federal Road Safety Corps, The Lagos Business School, Water Aid, Institute
for Industrial technology (IIT) and Diageo’s Global Sustainable Development
Director, David Croft among others.
The Sustainability report, titled:
‘Sustainability: From Grain to Glass’ is an 87- page report of Guinness Nigeria
performance from July to June, 2016 and focuses on material issues critical to
the sustainability of the company’s business.
The excerpts read: “We consider an issue material
if it could potentially have a significant impact on our business performance
or our business leadership position.
“The report also captures the strategy we will be
leveraging to achieve the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) we have set out
to attain, the CEO Foreword by the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc,
Mr. Peter Ndegwa further read.
It added: “Every year, we set ourselves stretching
targets that will guide us as we work to reduce our negative impact on the
environment.
“We also strive to increase our positive social
impact by delivering transformational social investments in communities where
we operate. This report captures our achievements in the 2016 financial year.”
Ndegwa further noted in his remarks at the launch
that the principal ambition of the company is to become the best performing,
most trusted and respected consumer products’ company in the world.
He further observed that the attainment of this
goal will be futile if a commitment to society is not at the heart of the
business.
“The Sustainability Report we are here to launch
today is one of the ways we measure our progress against the sustainability and
responsibility targets we have set for our organisation.
“The report also serves as an expression of our
continuing commitment to embedding sustainability into our daily interactions
and operations,” he said.
Ndegwa, reinstated Guinness commitment to helping
Nigeria meet her Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, especially in
the area of providing access to water and sanitation for the majority of the
people.
In this regard, the company has made significant
investments, he disclosed.
Corroborating, David Croft, Global Sustainable
Development Director, Diageo Plc said: “Overall we are proud of the progress
made. Guinness Nigeria’s Sustainable Development strategy which aligns with
Diageo’s global strategy is underpinned by three main pillars: “Leadership in
alcohol in society, building thriving communities and reducing environmental
impact.
“Delivering on these goals is an integral part of
our long term business strategy and our commitment to making a real difference
in communities where we operate.”
Major highlights from the 2016 report include
social investments in the Guinness Eye Hospitals, flagship Water of Life scheme
and Undergraduate Scholarship scheme, which has opened doors of opportunity to
many young Nigerians.
As part of its commitment to notable economic
impact in the country, the company paid over N16 billion in taxes ranging from
VAT, employee taxes, Corporate Income Tax, Excise Duties and other taxes in the
2016 financial year.
The company has further outlined strategic
objectives the attainment of which will put it in better stead to serve its key
stakeholders as well as help to strengthen corporate reputation and build a
sustainable business.
In the area of business performance, the company
aims to optimize return on investment for its investors and shareholders
through good corporate governance and by implementing the plans that underpin
its performance ambition.
The company has also reassured its commitments to
sustain product quality by providing consumers with beverages that meet the
highest standard of quality.
In the area of environmental performance, the
company said it will continue to ensure that its products, processes and
operations are safe for the environment, while enhancing the wellbeing of host
communities.
The company has also pledged to continue to
sustain initiatives that promote responsible consumption of alcohol, prevent
underage drinking and ensure strict adherence to the principles of responsible
marketing of its beverage brands.
