By Theresa Moses
In a year marked by economic shifts, fluctuating exchange rates, and persistent cost-of-living pressures, few sectors have escaped the ripple effects of Nigeria’s economic challenges. Yet amid these fluctuations, Nestlé Nigeria stands as a case study in corporate adaptability — demonstrating how global strategy, local sourcing, and value-driven investment can sustain growth while supporting communities.
According to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate dropped to 18.02% in September 2025, down from 20.12% in August. Food inflation also eased significantly to 16.87% year-on-year, compared to 37.77% in the same period last year — a development attributed to lower prices of key staples such as maize, garri, beans, millet, and tomatoes.
While the slowdown offers a measure of relief, consumer purchasing power remains stretched, compelling businesses to innovate to stay affordable and competitive.
Nestlé Nigeria has responded by strengthening local sourcing, building supply chain resilience, and investing in youth empowerment.
“Local sourcing is a cornerstone of our business model,” said Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager. “By working closely with Nigerian farmers and SMEs, we reduce import dependency, support livelihoods, and stabilize production costs.”
Beyond sourcing, Nestlé’s initiatives are tackling one of Nigeria’s toughest challenges — unemployment. Through the Nestlé Youth Empowerment Programme and Nestlé My Own Business (MYOWBU) scheme, unemployed and underemployed young adults receive training in entrepreneurship and small business management, gaining a practical path to financial independence.
Participants such as Bose, a 23-year-old coffee micro-entrepreneur, now own small-scale mobile coffee kiosks — learning management skills and generating income within their communities. Collectively, such entrepreneurs contribute to Nigeria’s informal sector. By formalizing these enterprises, Nestlé channels informal labor into productive, measurable economic activity.
Even amid volatile market conditions, Nestlé continues to innovate products and pricing strategies, adjusting pack sizes to maintain affordability while upholding quality. Its ongoing focus on nutrition, sustainability, and local value creation underscores how private enterprise can drive inclusive growth — even in uncertain economic times.
Through empowering youth, supporting farmers, and fostering small businesses, Nestlé Nigeria exemplifies how corporate success can go hand-in-hand with community development. The company’s model — built on people, partnerships, and resilience — continues to demonstrate that sustainable progress is not just possible, but achievable in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
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