Guinness Nigeria Plc, on Wednesday released its 2016 Sustainability Report, which provides information on the company’s performance on various aspects of its operations and sets out its sustainability goals for the future.

The report titled Sustainability: From Grain to Glass was unveiled at a formal ceremony which had in attendance various stakeholders 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.

Speaking on the report, the Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, noted that the primary goal of the company is to become the best performing, most trusted and respected Consumer Products Company in the world. He added 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 organization. The report also serves as an expression of our continuing commitment to embedding sustainability into our daily interactions and operations,” he said.

L-R : Company Secretary, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Sustainability Services, Ernest & Young Nigeria, Joseph Owolabi; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sesan Sobowale; Global Sustainable Development Director, Diageo Plc, David Croft and Country Head, Water Health, Vinod Kumar at the launch of Guinness Nigeria 2016 Sustainability Report which held at the Ikeja Brewery in Lagos this afternoon

L-R : Head of Sustainability Services, Ernest & Young Nigeria, Joseph Owolabi; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sesan Sobowale; Head, Sustainability Centre, Lagos Business School, Dr. Ijeoma Nwagwu; Global Sustainable Development Director, Diageo Plc, David Croft and Head of Governance, Water Aid Nigeria,Tolani Busari at the launch of Guinness Nigeria 2016 Sustainability Report which held at the Ikeja Brewery in Lagos this afternoon

Ndegwa said that Guinness Nigeria remains committed 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.

David Croft, Global Sustainable Development Director, Diageo Plc said that the company was proud of the progress made. He noted that Guinness Nigeria’s Sustainable Development strategy which aligns with Diageo’s global strategy rests on three pillars: Leadership in alcohol in society, building thriving communities and reducing environmental impact. He stated that delivering on these goals is an essential part of the group’s long term business strategy, and its commitment to making a real difference in communities where it operates.

The report highlighted notable social investments the company has made such as the Guinness Eye hospitals, the Flagship Water of Life scheme and the Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme, which has opened doors of opportunity to many young Nigerians.

The report also notes that Guinness Nigeria continued to make significant economic impact in Nigeria. In the 2016 financial year, the company paid over N16bn in taxes ranging from VAT, employee taxes, Corporate Income Tax, Excise Duties and other taxes.

Moving forward, the company laid out strategic objectives the attainment of which would enable it serve its key stakeholders as well as help to strengthen its corporate reputation and build a sustainable business.

In terms of business performance, the company aims to optimize return on investment for its investors and shareholders through good corporate governance and putting in place plans that build on its performance goals.

The company said that product quality will be sustained through unwavering commitment to providing consumers with beverages that meet the highest standard of quality.

Guinness said it will also continue to leverage on its world class innovation platforms to create high quality products for its customers while maintaining an enabling work environment for its employees.

Thirdly, it said it is committed to ensuring that its products, processes and operations are safe for the environment.

Finally, its Corporate Social Investment will remain focused on impacting lives positively while enhancing the wellbeing of host communities. The company will also continue to support initiatives that promote responsible consumption of alcohol and prevent underage drinking and also ensure strict adherence to the principles of responsible marketing of its beverage brands.