Olam Agri Commits N6.5bn to Sustainable Social Investment in Nigeria

Oluchi Chibuzor 

Olam Agri has announced that itis significantly expanding its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) investment strategy to deepen its social, environmental, and economic development impact within the country.

The company in a statement said it has committed to a four-year development plan, allocating approximately M6.5 billion to various CR&S initiatives.

These initiatives, it said, are designed to drive socioeconomic growth within the communities where it operates.   

“These initiatives are part of the award-winning Seeds for the Future (SFTF) programme – Olam Agri in Nigeria’s flagship sustainability effort designed to foster a brighter future for all. The initiative focuses on five key areas: supporting farmers and farming communities, enhancing education and skill development for young people, economic empowerment of indigent women, promoting health and nutrition, and reducing carbon emissions across its operations. The expanded investment commitment will support Olam Agri’s purpose for sustainable development across its business portfolio of rice, wheat milling and pasta, animal feed and protein, sesame, cotton, and edible oils from 2024 through 2028, “it said.

Managing Director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, Anil Nair commented on the investment, stating, “As a business founded in Nigeria over 34 years ago, we are committed to investing in initiatives that positively transform lives and impact the livelihoods of our host communities while scaling food production in the country.”

He added, “We are dedicated to turning our priorities into action by implementing key sustainability initiatives across our value chain to advance the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Our four-year implementation plan aims to make a real impact that benefits all.”

A high-level delegation led by Nair paid a courtesy call to the Lagos State Executive Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently. During the visit, the Managing Director sought partnerships with the State Government to deepen investments for expanded food production and job creation, given the state’s strategic economic importance.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Olam Agri for driving productivity in the agricultural value chain and stressed the need for continued efforts. He stated, “Olam Agri has positioned itself as a prominent leader in Nigeria’s agricultural industry. This meeting provided a great platform to exchange insights and discuss ways to strengthen our contributions to this crucial sector.”