Environmental Sustainability: Nigerian Breweries Plc Plants 340,000 trees, restores over 350 hectares in Olokemeji Forest

In line with its ‘Brew a Better World’ sustainability agenda, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nigeria’s foremost brewing company, in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, has planted more than 340,000 indigenous trees and restored over 350 hectares of degraded forest landscape at the Olokemeji forest in five years.

The Olokemeji Forest Reforestation Project, implemented in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aims to advance environmental stewardship and contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, watershed protection, and sustainable ecosystem management.

The milestone was highlighted during a joint engagement among representatives of Nigerian Breweries Plc, the Ogun State Government and IITA, where stakeholders reviewed the project’s progress and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaborative efforts towards environmental restoration and sustainable land management.

Speaking during the engagement, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzodinma Odenigbo, disclosed that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability in the communities where the company operates.

“At Nigerian Breweries, sustainability remains central to how we operate and create shared value. The restoration of over 350 hectares of degraded forest and the planting of more than 340,000 indigenous trees demonstrate what can be achieved through strategic partnerships. Beyond restoring ecosystems, we are investing in a healthier environment and creating opportunities that will benefit surrounding communities for generations to come,” he said.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Forestry, Ogun State, Engineer Oludotun Taiwo, commended the sustained collaboration of the Ogun State Government, Nigerian Breweries Plc and IITA, noting that such partnerships remain essential to preserving the state’s forest resources and promoting sustainable development.

The engagement was attended by the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Oludotun Taiwo, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, Dr Adekunle Oyesanwen, alongside other senior officials of the ministry, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzodinma Odenigbo, the Corporate Affairs Manager (West), Nigerian Breweries Plc, Danjuma John-Ekele, the Sustainability and CSR Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Oluseye Olokun and the Manager, Public Affairs and Sustainability, Namibia Breweries Limited, Franklin Angermund.

Beyond reforestation, the Olokemeji Reforestation Project has also enhanced biodiversity, strengthened climate resilience, and improved watershed protection across the forest reserve.

The initiative has created alternative livelihood opportunities for surrounding communities through beekeeping and vegetable farming, while improving access to clean water by providing community boreholes.