‘Media key to Nigeria’s 2028 mandatory ESG reporting drive’
A consultancy services firm, Harley Reed Nigeria, has urged journalists to strengthen the coverage of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. The firm spoke as Nigeria prepares to introduce mandatory
- By Precious Igbonwelundu
A consultancy services firm, Harley Reed Nigeria, has urged journalists to strengthen the coverage of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.
The firm spoke as Nigeria prepares to introduce mandatory sustainability reporting by 2028.
It described the media as critical to promoting compliance, transparency, and accountability across public and private institutions.
Its General Manager for Business Services, Chinwe Kalu, spoke at the weekend in Lagos during a capacity-building session for journalists and editors.
He 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.
The company’s Assistant Manager, Risk and Disclosures, Agatha Afemikhe, urged journalists to interrogate sustainability claims by government agencies and corporations rather than rely solely on official disclosures.
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According to her, rigorous reporting will help ensure that ESG commitments translate into measurable environmental protection, social responsibility and ethical governance outcomes.
“Journalists must look beyond the figures presented in reports and verify whether they reflect real compliance and accountability,” she said.
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.
The company chief also said that targeted awareness for SMEs would begin before the 2030 mandatory reporting for small and medium businesses.
Harley Reed Nigeria operates across several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, as well as the United Kingdom (UK).
