Harley Reed Nigeria, a leading institution in consulting, training, and professional services, has organised a one-day capacity-building workshop on Environmental, Social, and Governance, ESG, and Sustainability reporting in Nigeria.

The training, according to our correspondent is designed to strengthen the ability of media professionals to understand, analyse, and accurately report on ESG and sustainability-related issues. 

It also aimed to promote informed media engagement to enhance accountability and support Nigeria’s planned transition to mandatory ESG reporting by 2028.

In a opening remark, the Harley Reed Nigeria General Manager for Business Services, Chinwe Kalu, disclosed the reason of exposing the Nigerian media to ESG and Sustainability reporting due to the growing trends and the importance of public awareness and enforcing accountability.

Kalu urged journalists to strengthen the coverage of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, describing the media as critical to promoting compliance, transparency, and accountability across public and private institutions.

She noted that stronger ESG reporting by the media would help close knowledge gaps, deepen public understanding, and support national efforts to align with global sustainability standards.

Kalu noted that exposing journalists to ESG frameworks has become necessary as sustainability considerations increasingly shape investment flows, governance expectations and economic resilience.

She noted that while many Nigerian organisations were beginning to align with global ESG standards, public communication around compliance remained limited, underscoring the need for more informed reporting.

Kalu, emphasised the urgency of equipping journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate this emerging field.

Her position underscores a broader reality, ESG is no longer confined to corporate boardrooms or regulatory filings.

It is a public interest issue, intersecting with environmental protection, social justice, economic development, and governance integrity.

From oil spills in the Niger Delta to labor practices in manufacturing hubs, from boardroom transparency to community impact projects, ESG issues are deeply embedded in Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric.

Yet, the stories often remain fragmented, underreported, or treated as isolated incidents rather than part of a larger systemic framework.

The media, therefore, has a dual role to play: as a watchdog that holds institutions accountable, and as a catalyst that drives informed public discourse.

Its Assistant Manager, Risk and Disclosures, Agatha Afemikhe, one of the resource persons, exposed the participants to the whole gamut of ESG and Sustainability issues, drawing both on Nigeria and global involving trends to take the participants through the various strands.

Afemikhe stressed the essence of focusing on ESG because of its grave implications for both economic, human and societal developments.

She charged the Nigerian media to look beyond the figures and reports presented to them by both the government and corporate bodies at any given time to probe and interrogate further those reports and data to ensure that the pictures presented reflect true compliance and accountability as its affect ESG.

She urged journalists to interrogate sustainability claims by government agencies and corporations rather than rely solely on official disclosures.

According to her, rigorous reporting will help ensure that ESG commitments translate into measurable environmental protection, social responsibility and ethical governance outcomes.

She said Journalists must look beyond the figures presented in reports and verify whether they reflect real compliance and accountability.

According to her, sustained scrutiny will strengthen institutional responsibility and improve societal wellbeing.

Afemikhe said the training was designed to stimulate national conversation on ESG and prepare the media for its oversight role ahead of the country’s planned transition to mandatory sustainability disclosures by 2028.

She further tasked the media to hold the government and corporate bodies accountable by putting them on their toes through its forthright reporting and focus on ESG and sustainability issues as its affect both the environment and social wellbeing of the people and society, noting the different strands of issues, including ethical, emanating from ESG and sustainability.

Harley Reed’s vision is; ‘‘to become the leading pan-African focused professional services provider with a global reach, recognised for our professionalism, expertise, thought leadership, integrity and ethics in all our dealings.’’

While its stated mission is; ‘‘to offer a full suite of service offerings spanning advisory, knowledge and assurance across all industries and sectors.

To excel in all we, and do only what we can excel in – partnering with globally respected bodies to deliver lasting value to our clients – representing ourselves and our values.’’

Harley Reed also operates across a number of African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Cote D’Voire, and South Africa as well as the United Kingdom.

The Crucial Role of ESG in Business Growth and Sustainability in Nigeria

In recent years, the global business landscape has witnessed a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and responsible practices.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria have emerged as key metrics for evaluating a company’s impact on the world beyond just financial returns.

This transformation is especially pertinent in a country like Nigeria, where the intersection of business growth and sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial.

Understanding ESG and Its Importance in Business Growth

As Nigeria strives for economic growth, the incorporation of ESG principles into business models is not just an option but a necessity.

Companies that prioritize environmental conservation, social responsibility, and sound governance are not only contributing to a sustainable future but are also positioning themselves for long-term success.

In this era of heightened awareness and accountability, the role of ESG in business growth and sustainability in Nigeria cannot be overstated.

It is a journey towards a more resilient, responsible, and prosperous future for both businesses and the nation as a whole.

ESG encompasses a set of criteria that measure a company’s performance in three critical areas: environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

In the Nigerian business scenario, these criteria serve as a compass, guiding companies toward a future that prioritizes not only profit but also the well-being of the environment and society.

Environmental Challenges and Business Responsibility

Nigeria faces numerous environmental challenges, from deforestation to pollution and climate change.

Companies operating in the country are now under increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Businesses that integrate sustainability into their operations not only contribute to a healthier planet but also position themselves as responsible stewards in the eyes of consumers and investors.

Social Responsibility in Nigerian Businesses

ESG standards also emphasize a company’s commitment to social issues.

In Nigeria, where issues like poverty, inequality, and healthcare disparities persist, businesses are increasingly expected to play a role in addressing these challenges.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, community engagement, and fair labour practices are becoming integral components of business strategies, fostering positive social impact.

Governance: Building Trust Through Strong Practices

The governance aspect of ESG focuses on how companies are managed and governed.

Transparent decision-making, ethical practices, and diversity in leadership are vital for building trust among stakeholders.

In Nigeria, where concerns about corruption and unethical business practices are prevalent, prioritizing strong corporate governance is essential for attracting both local and international investors.

ESG as a Catalyst for Long-Term Business Growth

Contrary to the misconception that ESG practices hinder profitability, evidence suggests that integrating these criteria into business strategies can drive long-term growth.

Companies with robust ESG frameworks are better equipped to navigate regulatory changes, mitigate risks, and attract a diverse pool of investors.

Moreover, as global markets increasingly favour sustainable businesses, adopting ESG principles can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

customers, employees, and local communities, are vital components of effective ESG practices.

By engaging in open conversations, businesses can better understand the needs and expectations of their stakeholders.

Taking these steps surpasses compliance, reflecting a true dedication to sustainability and social responsibility. 

This commitment brings numerous benefits, including enhanced brand reputation, greater employee engagement, and access to new markets and customers. 

However, for these efforts to succeed, Nigerian businesses need proper incentives to address ESG challenges effectively. 

By fostering an environment that rewards sustainable practices, businesses can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. 

This proactive strategy aligns with global trends, positioning Nigerian companies as leaders in responsible, sustainable corporate practices.

The message from Harley Reed Nigeria’s training is clear: the era of superficial reporting on sustainability is over. What is needed now is depth, rigor, and a willingness to dig beneath the surface.

Beyond environmental concerns, the training noted broader governance and social risks across Africa, including that over 85 per cent of workers operate in informal employment, while the continent loses an estimated $148 billion annually to corruption.

Experts said these structural challenges reinforce the need for stronger ESG frameworks to improve accountability, attract sustainable investment, and strengthen economic resilience.

They warned that companies failing to comply with ESG reporting requirements risk fines, reputational damage, investor exit and restricted access to financing in an increasingly ESG-driven global market.

Participants were told that stronger ESG reporting by the media will be essential in ensuring that corporate and public sector commitments translate into measurable outcomes ahead of Nigeria’s full transition to mandatory disclosure in 2028.

The training formed part of broader efforts to prepare journalists for their watchdog role in a regulatory environment where sustainability performance is becoming a key driver of investment decisions and economic credibility.