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How Nestlé is Making Nigerian Communities Competitively Viable

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By Eric Elezuo
A saying has it that development begins with communities; the real grassroots. This means that when communities are catered for and developed, the ripple effects hits off everyone and of course the total surroundings. This is the notion Nigeria’s biggest beverage and daily products manufacturing giant, Nestlé Nigeria Limited, has propagated, and sustained to set the Nigerian people on the path to positive impact, and all-round development.
From the global stage to the national level, Nestlé’s stock-in-trade has remained  community and rural development, affecting the rural dwellers and enhancing their livelihoods. As a result, the brand has taken it upon itself to among other things engage the dwellers in their day to day production business thereby sourcing a large chunk of its raw materials from their host communities.
In giving the communities the best they deserve, Nestlé has a comprehensive understanding of where and how the  ingredients for their factories are produced, and the challenges farmers and their communities face. These firsthand knowledge enables the brand to support rural development.
The company noted that “By working closely with farmers, we can promote better agricultural practices, work towards responsible sourcing and help to improve their livelihoods, as well as secure a long-term supply of raw materials.”
It is worthy of note that 57% of Nestlé’s ingredients purchased in 2017 were responsibly sourced just as 63% of raw ingredients purchased in 2017 were traceable.

It is also a statement of fact that 431,000 lical farmers were trained in good agricultural practices also in 2017

Generally, Nestlé’s efforts to develop communities, according to an article on nestle-cwa.com include:
1. Improving livelihoods
Nestlé aims to improve the livelihoods of 30 million people in communities connected to their business activities. 

Nestlé works with farmers, partners, and suppliers to support rural development. 

3. Helping young people

Nestlé’s coffee sustainability programs help address agricultural challenges, such as climate change, low farmer incomes, and aging farm populations. 

5. Sustainable agriculture

Nestlé also invests in infrastructure, trains and educates and employs people.
In 2020, Nestlé Nigeria launched the Community Scholarship Programme, which reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, and opened to high-achieving senior secondary and tertiary students pursuing studies in Science and Technology, and within communities surrounding Nestlé operations.

With a whopping N18 million set aside for the present season, where 90 verified indigenes will benefit, the scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, uniforms, books, and other essential expenses, ensuring the students have the resources they need throughout their education journey.

“These scholarships reflect our unwavering dedication to investing in the future of our youth. At a time when economic challenges place added strain on families nationwide, we’re proud to provide meaningful financial support that eases this burden. By investing in education, we’re not only empowering individual students but also fostering the growth and prosperity of our entire community,” Nestlé enthused.

This investment in the education of young people, is Nestlé’s avenue of seeking to create long-lasting positive impacts in its host communities, helping to shape a more promising future for Nigeria’s next generation of leaders and innovators.

Recently, 65 recipients of the scholarship were produced from schools in Abaji, Agbara and Sagamu, and decorated with the benefits of the scholarship.

In 2023, Nestlé Nigeria launched its Flowergate Technical Training Centre (TTC), a broader technical training initiative, which has been running since 2011. Since its inception, the program has seen over 200 young Nigerians successfully complete the rigorous 18-month curriculum.

It has also invested over six billion naira in this initiative, and continues to prioritize developing the next generation of skilled professionals to drive the country’s industrial future.

Nestlé’s bond with Nigerian communities has necessitated the growth and development of mostly the host communities, and have spiraled into neighbouring communities. This is seen in its attention to education of indigenes, agriculture, empowerment of women and youths in various businesses.

A Nestlé in any community has remained the best thing to happen to that community.

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Hardship: TUC Threatens Nationwide Strike

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The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.

The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.

The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.

“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.

“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.

The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.

It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.

According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.

It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.

The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.

It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.

“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.

The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.

On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.

The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.

It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.

“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.

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Plateau Trader Wins ₦5m As Golden Morn Golden Hunt Rewards Nigerians

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A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.

Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.

The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.

Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.

“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”

Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.

“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”

Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.

Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.

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2027: Obi, South-East Leaders Meet Jonathan Behind Closed Doors

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A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, on Monday, consulted former President Goodluck Jonathan on the state of the nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi disclosed this after a closed-door meeting with the former president in Abuja. He led a delegation of South-East political leaders to the meeting, including serving and former lawmakers, as well as former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the former Anambra State governor said the visit was part of ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Notable South-East leaders have come in consultation with our respected former president. That is basically what it is—on the 2027 elections and, overall, about Nigeria,” Obi said.

Obi has been holding meetings with political heavyweights across the country as part of ongoing consultations ahead of the ADC presidential primary for the 2027 general elections.

Last week, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party was in Bauchi with South-East leaders, where they held a closed-door meeting with Bala Mohammed.

Speaking after the meeting, Obi said the visit was focused on building national unity and strengthening cooperation across regions.

“My purpose is to solicit the support and cooperation of His Excellency and the stakeholders of Bauchi and the North-East in our quest to unite this country. We want to have a united country to build a future for our children.

“The country cannot continue the way it is today; we are headed in the wrong direction, and we need to reverse that for everybody. That is the simple purpose of why we are here – to seek the support of the stakeholders of Bauchi in building a new Nigeria that will be of benefit to all,” he added.

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