Guinness Strengthens Market Position, Deepens Local Sourcing To Drive Growth

Guinness Nigeria Plc is restrategising to source majority of ingredients like sorghum locally, reducing import reliance and supporting local agriculture through partnerships with farmers and Banks, while implementing cost controls to sustain performance despite inflation and FX volatility.

The Company stated these at its 75th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos,

The meeting followed the release of the Company’s first quarter (Q1) 2026 financial results, which included an interim dividend of N2.00 per ordinary share, signaling a return to rewarding shareholders and reinforcing confidence in the Company’s financial position.

At the AGM, shareholders reviewed the Company’s 18-month financial performance, reflecting a period of strategic transition, disciplined execution, and a return to profitability. The results underscore Guinness Nigeria’s focus on building a more agile and resilient business amid a dynamic operating environment.

Speaking at the meeting, chairman of the Board, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, described the period as a defining phase in the Company’s journey, marked by resilience, transformation, and renewed momentum.

He noted that despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, the Company successfully navigated its transition phase and is now firmly on a path of sustainable growth and value creation.

“Earlier in April 2025, our Company attained the milestone of its 75th anniversary in Nigeria, a feat very few companies have achieved in Nigeria. This year also marked Guinness Nigeria’s turnaround with return to profitability. Worthy of note is the Company’s change of financial year end dates from 30th June to 31st December, starting this financial year.”

He added that “Guinness Nigeria under its new chapter has fortified its market positioning and operating efficiency for growth, with positive benefits to all our stakeholders.

“With a push to continually source majority of ingredients locally (like sorghum), reducing reliance on imports and supporting local agriculture through partnerships with farmers and banks, aligning with Nigeria’s industrial policy and implementing strategies to enhance productivity, control costs, and improve financial performance despite high inflation and currency volatility.”

The managing director of Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma, reaffirmed management’s focus on execution and long-term growth, highlighting the team’s clarity of direction and commitment to consistently delivering improved performance.

Shareholders also expressed strong confidence in the Company’s outlook, commending its performance and expressing optimism about sustained returns in the years ahead.

Barrister Adetutu Siyanbola, a shareholder said “she believes the company is on solid footing and moving in the right direction.

“Next year, we are going to get a bigger and better final dividend added to the entire dividend that the chairman mentioned,” she said.

With a strengthened foundation, renewed profitability, and the continued trust of its shareholders, Guinness Nigeria remains firmly focused on delivering long-term value for all stakeholders while building on its 75-year legacy in Nigeria.