Unilever Nigeria readjusts operations to boost growth, profitability

By Onome Amuge

Unilever Nigeria has announced modifications in its business model, expected to accelerate growth and sustain profitability while enhancing its ability to meet consumer needs.

The company, which is principally engaged in the manufacture and marketing of foods and refreshments, home care and personal care products, said it will repurpose its portfolio while putting in place measures to make the business more efficient and future fit.

As a result, Unilever Nigeria will be repurposing its portfolio by exiting two categories, home-care and skin-cleansing, to concentrate on higher growth opportunities as well as strengthening business operations with measures to digitize and simplify processes.

Commenting on the development, Carl Cruz, managing director of the 100-year-old consumer goods company, explained that it is a necessity for all companies to adapt to changing market circumstances.

Cruz added that Unilever Nigeria’s recent move at repositioning its operations is hinged on the confidence that it is the right timing to better meet the needs of its consumers, shareholders, and employees.

“We are a truly Nigerian business and the first consumer goods manufacturer in the country 100 years ago and, by making these changes, we will unleash the sustained and profitable growth we need to be here for the next 100 as well,” he added.

Ola Ehinmoro, director of human resources, noted that though there would be the initial employee redundancy process associated with the changes, there are concerted efforts to ensure that its impact is limited.

According to Ehinmoro, the new model will need changes in both talent and expertise required and every employee impacted will be treated most fairly and in full accordance with the law.