20 Influential CSR and Sustainability Leads Driving Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Inclusion in Nigeria

POWER UP (GENERATORS, STABILIZERS AND MORE)

As Nigeria continues to integrate sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) into its business landscape, a group of forward-thinking professionals is leading the charge. These individuals are at the helm of CSR and sustainability initiatives within some of Nigeria’s biggest companies, championing environmental stewardship, social impact, and ethical business practices. Their work not only aligns with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards but also drives Nigeria’s broader development agenda.

Here’s a look at 20 influential CSR and sustainability leads making a difference in corporate responsibility and sustainability inclusion in Nigeria.

1. Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan

Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan is a thought leader in sustainability, steering Access Bank’s sustainability strategies. She plays a key role in financial inclusion, climate change advocacy, and gender equality. Omobolanle has been pivotal in embedding sustainable banking principles into the bank’s core operations, promoting responsible business practices across the Nigerian financial sector.

2. Pearl Uzokwe

Pearl Uzokwe leads Sahara Group’s governance and sustainability strategy, integrating CSR into its energy and infrastructure operations. She focuses on promoting renewable energy, environmental protection, and community development. Pearl also oversees the Sahara Foundation, which addresses health, education, and economic empowerment initiatives.

3. Adesola Borokini

Adesola Borokini oversees Nigerian Breweries’ sustainability initiatives, driving programs on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. Her leadership ensures the integration of sustainable practices across operations, while contributing to the company’s community development initiatives.

4. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien

Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien is at the helm of Dangote Group’s sustainability and governance initiatives, focusing on reducing the group’s environmental impact and enhancing community welfare. She has spearheaded carbon emission reduction, renewable energy projects, and local community development programs in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

5. Ijeoma Nwagwu

Ijeoma Nwagwu leads GTBank’s sustainability and CSR initiatives, focusing on responsible banking, financial inclusion, and community impact. She has been instrumental in driving the bank’s social responsibility programs in education and healthcare, while ensuring adherence to global ESG principles.

6. Ismail Adebayo

Ismail Adebayo is responsible for MTN Nigeria’s sustainability and corporate responsibility programs. He focuses on minimizing the environmental footprint of the telecom company, leading efforts in energy efficiency and e-waste management. Ismail also manages MTN’s social impact projects, particularly in education and healthcare.

7. Helen Iwuchukwu

Helen Iwuchukwu oversees Lafarge Africa’s sustainability strategy, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of its cement manufacturing processes. Her leadership also extends to corporate social responsibility efforts in local communities, where she leads programs that focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

8. Amaka Onyemelukwe

Amaka Onyemelukwe is a recognized CSR and sustainability advocate in Nigeria’s FMCG sector. At Coca-Cola Nigeria, she leads the company’s environmental initiatives, particularly the “World Without Waste” campaign aimed at plastic recycling and pollution reduction. Amaka’s work also includes community projects focused on clean water, education, and women empowerment.

9. Chinwe Bode-Akinwande

Chinwe Bode-Akinwande drives First Bank’s sustainability and CSR strategies, focusing on financial inclusion, gender equality, and environmental responsibility. Her leadership has seen the bank’s CSR efforts grow in areas such as SME support, healthcare, and education, while ensuring adherence to global sustainability standards.

10. Femi Ibiwoye

Femi Ibiwoye leads sustainability efforts at IHS Nigeria, one of the country’s largest telecommunications infrastructure companies. He focuses on reducing the company’s carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing CSR projects in education, health, and community welfare. Femi’s leadership ensures that IHS Nigeria aligns with global ESG goals.

11. Doyin Fanimokun

Doyin Fanimokun manages Nestlé Nigeria’s sustainability agenda, driving initiatives on water conservation, responsible sourcing, and plastic recycling. She plays a crucial role in community engagement, promoting nutrition education, and leading Nestlé’s environmental programs that align with global sustainability goals.

12. Bolaji Owasanoye

Bolaji Owasanoye leads the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s sustainability drive, promoting ESG compliance among listed companies. He ensures that sustainability reporting is embedded into the NSE’s corporate governance, fostering transparency and responsible business practices in Nigeria’s capital markets.

13. Olayinka Subair

Olayinka Subair leads Shell Nigeria’s sustainability strategy, overseeing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency within the company’s operations. He also drives Shell’s social impact projects, including community development programs in education, infrastructure, and healthcare across Nigeria.

14. Jide Okeremi

Jide Okeremi is responsible for TotalEnergies Nigeria’s sustainability efforts, focusing on transitioning to renewable energy sources, carbon capture, and community engagement. His leadership ensures that TotalEnergies reduces its environmental impact while contributing to sustainable development in Nigeria’s energy sector.

15. Tolulope Ola

Tolulope Ola oversees sustainability at Unilever Nigeria, driving the company’s commitment to reducing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and ensuring sustainable sourcing. She is also responsible for Unilever’s CSR initiatives that focus on health and hygiene education, as well as women’s empowerment across Nigeria.

16. Ifeoma Okoye

Ifeoma Okoye plays a key role in Flour Mills of Nigeria’s sustainability strategy, overseeing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce waste, and enhance environmental conservation. Under her leadership, the company has improved its energy efficiency and strengthened community impact programs.

17. Wale Ajayi

Wale Ajayi leads UAC Nigeria’s sustainability agenda, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of the company’s operations and enhancing social impact through CSR programs. His leadership ensures that UAC implements responsible business practices and promotes community development initiatives in education and healthcare.

18. Adeola Adebisi

Adeola Adebisi drives Stanbic IBTC Bank’s sustainability and CSR strategy, focusing on responsible banking, financial inclusion, and community empowerment. She leads initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs, enhancing healthcare, and promoting education in underserved communities across Nigeria.

19. Uzoamaka Nwankwo

Uzoamaka Nwankwo leads PwC Nigeria’s sustainability efforts, ensuring the firm integrates ESG principles into its operations. She is responsible for driving responsible governance, carbon reduction, and social impact projects that align with PwC’s global sustainability goals, contributing to Nigeria’s development agenda.

20. Iniobong Nkanta

Iniobong Nkanta leads Wema Bank’s sustainability and CSR initiatives, with a focus on financial inclusion, environmental conservation, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Wema Bank has expanded its green finance portfolio and strengthened its impact in education, healthcare, and digital inclusion.

Conclusion

These 20 sustainability and CSR leaders are playing pivotal roles in transforming corporate Nigeria into a more responsible and sustainable business environment. Through their efforts, Nigerian companies are adopting practices that address environmental challenges, promote social equity, and drive long-term economic growth. Their leadership in embedding sustainability and corporate responsibility into the heart of business operations is helping Nigeria move closer to its sustainable development goals (SDGs).