The Nigerian Government has commended Nestlé Nigeria Plc for its consistent contribution to the country’s socio-economic landscape, noting that the company’s operational model serves as a blueprint for sustainable industrial development.
The Director of the Department of Industrial Development at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Mohammed Bala, who delivered the official commendation during the media launch of the ‘Nestlé for Good’ campaign in Lagos, emphasised that Nestlé’s initiatives are in lockstep with the government’s vision for a private-sector-led economic transformation.
Bala, who was represented Mrs Esther Popoola, said: “The campaign reflects responsible business practices that align with the Federal Government’s agenda for sustainable industrial development. Nigeria’s industrial transformation agenda recognises the private sector as a key driver of innovation, productivity, and job creation.”
He noted that long-standing corporate citizens play a disproportionate role in stabilising the local economy through domestic sourcing and capacity building, adding, “Companies like Nestlé have maintained a long-standing presence in Nigeria and continue to demonstrate how responsible investment can contribute to local sourcing, operational skills development, and a safe, supportive work environment.
“Initiatives such as ‘Nestlé for Good’ align closely with national priorities by investing in sustainable sourcing and empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs.”
Responding to the Nigerian government’s endorsement, the Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr Wassim Elhusseini, remarked that the company’s scale necessitates a higher level of social and environmental accountability, arguing that profit and social progress are interconnected.
“When a company operates at scale, when it reaches millions of people every day, it must hold itself to a higher standard. It must be accountable not only for its products but also for the broader impact it has on society, communities, and the environment. Economic performance and social progress are not competing priorities; they are interconnected. Creating shared value is not a programme but the way we do business”, Elhusseini said.
The campaign is built on three specific pillars: nutrition, thriving communities, and protection of the planet.
According to Nestlé’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, the environmental component is the bedrock of all other corporate efforts.
“If we do not protect the planet, then there is no point to everything else we are doing. We are committed to protecting the environment to ensure it continues to support future generations.
“Nestlé for Good brings together the many ways Nestlé contributes to improving lives across Nigeria through better nutrition, stronger communities, and responsible environmental stewardship,” Uwadoka explained.
The launch also received technical backing from the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, represented by nutrition specialist Mrs Amaka Okwesilieze, who called for a united front to tackle malnutrition through continued collaboration. “The NSN will continue to work with Nestlé Nigeria to achieve shared goals of improving nutrition and promoting healthy diets across the country. We urge the media to play an active role in nutrition education,” Okwesilieze stated.
GIK/APA