L-R: Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Olusola Oworo; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Girish Sharma; Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu; Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Vivian Shobo, and Vice – Chairman and Non- Executive Director, Mr. Harkishin Aswani, all of Guinness Nigeria PLC at the company’s 75th Annual General Meeting held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday April 15
Nigeria’s leading total beverage alcohol company, Guinness Nigeria Plc, on Wednesday, April 15, hosted shareholders at its 75th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, reaffirming its strong performance and clear path to sustained growth.
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The meeting followed the release of the Company’s Q1 FY2026 financial results, which included an interim dividend of ₦2.00 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.
Shareholders unanimously approved all resolutions presented, including the election and re-election of directors, as well as the appointment of Ernst & Young as Independent External Auditors, effective January 1, 2026, demonstrating continued confidence in the Company’s governance and leadership.
Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Board, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, 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.”
Managing Director, 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.
“My first AGM happened when I was less than a month old in Guinness Nigeria. We made a commitment that at the next AGM, we will declare a dividend. We’ve done that, and we’ve just started. The team understands the business, and the team knows what they need to do. I think we have absolute clarity in terms of where we want to go in the next five years. I think from here, it’s only going to
get better,” he said.
Shareholders also expressed strong confidence in the Company’s outlook, commending its performance and expressing optimism about sustained returns in the years ahead. One of them, Barrister Adetutu Siyanbola 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, and expressed her admiration of the quality of the board and the management team, and in their ability to deliver.
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.