UNILEVER NIGERIA: A Century of Commitment to Sustainability and Community Empowerment

In 2023, Unilever Nigeria celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of impactful contributions to the Nigerian economy and society. Over these years, the company’s sustainability agenda has consistently been at the forefront of its operations, showcasing its dedication to creating a positive impact on people, the planet, and promoting a fairer, more inclusive world.

Unilever Nigeria’s 2023 sustainability report, themed “Impact, Partnerships, and Building a Brighter Future,” highlights the company’s progress and achievements over the past century. The report details various initiatives and partnerships that have positively impacted communities across Nigeria. It emphasizes Unilever’s ongoing commitment to harnessing the power of its people, brands, and partnerships to address pressing issues and promote sustainable living.

Unilever Nigeria’s approach to plastic waste management is clear: collect more plastic than it puts into the environment. This strategy involves reducing the use of plastic, improving the quality of plastic used, and transitioning towards a circular economy. In collaboration with Wecyclers, Unilever has significantly advanced its plastic waste management goals. The partnership includes a $2 million funding agreement with Bridges Outcomes, aimed at expanding Wecyclers’ operations and creating thousands of jobs in the recycling sector. This initiative has already resulted in the collection of over 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste and has provided employment to over a thousand people​.

In response to global supply chain disruptions, Unilever Nigeria has prioritized the localization of its supply chains. CSR REPORTERS notes that currently, over 50% of its raw materials and packaging are sourced locally. This initiative not only reduces dependency on overseas suppliers but also supports the Nigerian economy. A notable example is the partnership with Psaltry International Company Limited, which involves an off-take agreement to boost the local production of cassava-based products. This collaboration has empowered over 10,000 cassava farmers and contributed significantly to the local economy​.

Shakti Women Empowerment Program

Launched in 2014, the Shakti program is a door-to-door sales initiative designed to empower vulnerable and underserved women by providing them with opportunities to distribute and sell Unilever products. By 2023, the program had onboarded an additional 3,000 women, bringing the total number of participants to over 13,000 across 22 states. The Shakti program not only improves the livelihoods of these women but also enhances their financial independence and business acumen​.

Youth Empowerment: Future-X Campus Ambassadors Program (FUCAP)

Unilever, in collaboration with UNICEF, launched the Future-X Campus Ambassadors Program (FUCAP) in 2023. This initiative aims to equip Nigerian youths with essential skills for meaningful employment. The program aligns with Unilever’s global commitment to prepare 10 million young people for job opportunities by 2030. FUCAP utilizes UNICEF’s platforms to reach young people in higher education institutions, providing them with vital skills for the future of work. Through this initiative, Unilever and UNICEF aim to equip 700,000 youths with necessary skills and offer internship opportunities to hundreds​  

Commitment to Health, Nutrition, and Well-being

Unilever’s commitment to improving health and nutrition is evident through various initiatives. The company has launched campaigns like “Eat for Good” to promote healthier eating habits, reaching 28 million consumers by the end of 2022. Additionally, the Pepsodent Brush Day and Night School Programme has educated over 6 million children on oral hygiene, providing free dental products and promoting good oral health practices​.

Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Unilever Nigeria is dedicated to creating a socially inclusive workplace. The company aims to have 5% of its workforce comprised of persons with disabilities (PWDs) by 2030. To support this goal, Unilever has partnered with various associations and non-profits advocating for the inclusion of PWDs and has implemented the Africa Disability Pathway program to enhance employee capabilities​.

Pioneering New Work Models and Embracing Technology

Unilever Nigeria is embracing the future of work by adopting agile and hybrid work models. The company has implemented a system that allows employees to work remotely, reducing the environmental impact of commuting and improving work-life balance. This approach has significantly enhanced employee productivity and well-being. Additionally, Unilever has automated its operations to improve efficiency and reduce waste, positioning itself as a data-driven and responsive organization​  

Bottomline: A Century of Impact and a Commitment to the Future

As Unilever Nigeria celebrates its centenary, the company remains committed to driving sustainable practices and creating a positive impact on Nigerian society. Through its strategic initiatives in plastics management, supply chain localization, women and youth empowerment, health and nutrition, and inclusive workplace policies, Unilever continues to set the standard for corporate social responsibility and sustainability in Nigeria.

Unilever’s dedication to making sustainable living commonplace, coupled with its innovative approaches and robust partnerships, ensures that the company will continue to thrive and contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria and its people. With a legacy of over 100 years, Unilever Nigeria stands as a testament to the enduring power of purpose-driven business practices.