Onome Amuge
Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB), the country’s largest brewing company, is betting on customer engagement and stakeholder trust as critical levers for resilience and growth, as Nigeria’s consumer goods sector faces one of its toughest economic climates in years.
During a recent customer tour of its Lagos Brewery, an event marking the 2025 Customer Service Week, the brewer sought to reaffirm its customer-first ethos and long-term commitment to value creation. But beyond the public relations fanfare, the tour revealed a deeper strategic shift, being an effort by the Heineken-controlled company to anchor its business around loyalty, innovation, and sustainability amid surging costs and shrinking consumer wallets.
Uzodinma Odenigbo, corporate affairs director at Nigerian Breweries, described the initiative as part of a recalibration of corporate strategy in response to macroeconomic headwinds
“At Nigerian Breweries, our focus goes beyond producing quality beverages. It’s about creating shared value for our customers, communities, and partners.
“We believe long-term business success is built on strong relationships, mutual trust, and a collective commitment to excellence. We remain resolute in our mission to refresh our consumers, empower our partners, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth,” Odenigbo stated.
The corporate affairs director emphasised that NB’s commitment to innovation and sustainability was not merely about compliance or corporate image but about maintaining competitiveness in an economy under strain.
Nduka Nnabuihe, the brewery manager, represented at the event by Félix Ofolue, noted that service excellence is now central to NB’s operating philosophy. “Our customers are treated like royalty. We work tirelessly to meet their needs by ensuring quality, availability, and reliable support.
“Our strong distribution network, including key distributors, sub-distributors, and retailers, ensures our products reach consumers efficiently and consistently. With over 79 years in business, we are proud of our legacy and remain committed to learning and growing alongside our customers as we look toward the next hundred years of success,” he noted.
Customers in attendance acknowledged the company’s support amid turbulent times. Retailer Ability Akpan praised the brewer for helping distributors stay afloat despite economic uncertainty. He also appealed for enhanced product availability to serve their growing consumer base better.
Another retailer, Okpe Essien, who runs Brave Spots, highlighted consistent supply and after-sales service as key advantages. “I am immensely grateful for Nigerian Breweries’ efforts to provide all that is needed to deliver a memorable experience to customers. I get all their products whenever I need them at a discounted cost. Also, the company pays regular visits to see if I lack anything to deliver an extraordinary experience to my customers,”Essien said.
