The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has released its 2015 Sustainability Report, the report which is the second edition, according to a statement from the exchange demonstrates how they have been able to showcase the importance of sustainability business practices in delivering value and supporting economic growth.
The 2015 report which have the titled Ushering in a new era of sustainability in the Nigerian market place is in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative G4 guidelines that aligns with the exchange corporate social responsibility framework and covers the four key impact areas it has devoted attention and resources.
Commenting on the report, the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE Mr Oscar Onyema said “as we strive to create durable wealth for our stakeholders, the NSE continues to highlight the importance of sustainable business practices in delivering value and supporting economic growth.
Adding that in 2015 “we continued the holistic implementation and integration of the NSE Corporate Sustainability Strategy into our day-to-day operations, in order to effectively manage risks and business development opportunities. While we are pleased to report that we have held ourselves accountable to the highest standards, we are also intensifying our advocacy efforts to support the integration of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) imperatives in the Nigerian capital market”.
The four areas in which NSE are involved with are: Market Place, here they promotes market-based approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) imperatives amongst all stakeholders. Achievements in this area include Assessed and rated all companies on the premium board using the Corporate Governance Rating System and executed advanced capital market awareness programme in over 50 Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Second is community, here the NSE makes positive contributions to the communities where they live and work. Key progress recorded here are, Implementation of 172 Financial Literacy programmes across the nation, reaching 15,000 people. Launched Adopt-A-School Programme at Oke-Odo High School, Lagos.
Under the pilot scheme, 52 teachers were trained on soft skills, information & communication technology and financial intelligence; 250 students participated in career workshop; and a Learning and Development Centre was donated to the school. 50 Federal and State Universities benefitted from a book donation progamme.
They also organized the second edition of the NSE Corporate Challenge with over 500 runners and over 27 million impressions on twitter. Held a Closing Gong ceremony in March 2015 to commemorate International Women Day in partnership with SSE Initiative, United Nations Global Compact.
Workplace is the third areas of focus, here the NSE fosters engaging and high performing work environment that facilitates diversity, wellbeing and development of its people. During this period, The CSR Champions Network and Employee Volunteering Scheme was launched and 21 percent of employees signed up for the Employee Volunteering programme. Employees at all levels participated in 93 training and development programmes.
Environment is the last area, here the NSE is committed to reducing the impact of its operations on the environment. Through an environmental management approach, the Exchange has been able to, achieve 70 percent of lighting load reduction and 20 percent overall energy savings, translating to 1,392,717 kilowatts saved from July to December, 2015 and recycle 8 percent of waste generated at the NSE.
