Lagos, Nigeria – September 19, 2024 – The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and Natural Eco Capital co-hosted a captivating webinar titled “ESG Integration: Strategies for Business Success.” Livestreamed on YouTube, the event explored the growing significance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in today’s competitive landscape.
Leading industry experts, which included Engr. Lovelyn Okoye, Sustainability Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, and Ijeoma D. Ozulumba, Executive Director/CFO, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), discussed how integrating ESG can lead to:
- Reduced Risk & Enhanced Resilience
- Improved Financial Performance
- Stronger Reputation & Stakeholder Trust
The session featured a welcome address by the NECA Director General, who emphasized the need for the private sector to take the lead on ESG due to the risks and opportunities involved.
The webinar moderated by Dr. Eugene Itua, CEO of Natural Eco Capital, offered practical steps for businesses to implement ESG principles, including:
- Conducting Comprehensive Assessments
- Developing Clear and Measurable Strategies
- Engaging Stakeholders Throughout the Process
Key Takeaways:
- Strong ESG practices are essential for long-term business success and sustainability.
- Integrating ESG offers benefits like reduced risk, improved financial performance, and a stronger reputation.
- Businesses can achieve successful ESG integration through comprehensive assessments, clear strategies, and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
A Call to Action for Businesses:
The webinar concluded with a call to action, urging businesses to:
- Conduct a thorough ESG assessment to identify areas for improvement.
- Develop a clear ESG strategy aligned with overall business goals.
- Integrate ESG considerations into all decision-making processes.
- Actively engage with stakeholders to understand their ESG expectations.
Measure and report on ESG performance to track progress and identify opportunities