The Nigerian Stock Exchange, in partnership with the Global Reporting Initiative, hosted a roundtable discusion on Sustainable Development Goals to drive sustainability reporting among listed companies.

The NSE said in a statement that the workshop was driven by the need to raise awareness on the inherent economic opportunities and social impact businesses could achieve by aligning their operations towards the achievement of the SDGs.

It added that the roundtable, which was sponsored by IHS Towers Nigeria, was organised to help organisations to develop more innovative approaches in the communication of their sustainability initiatives and their contribution to the SDGs.

The NSE said the forum was in line with the ongoing partnership with the GRI to advance sustainability reporting among listed companies in Nigeria.

The statement read in part, “The roundtable offered a platform for sustainability through leaders and practitioners to exchange best practice approaches, which they have successfully applied in aligning their business operations and reporting the progress achieved in the actualisation of the SDGs.”

The Head, Shares Service Division, NSE, Mr Bola Adeeko, said corporate ambition around SDGs was on the increase as businesses recognised the need to operate within stable economies.

According to him, poverty, gender inequality, climate and water issues pose serious threats to almost any business model.

Adeeko said while various businesses were investing independently in capacity building in sustainability, it was important to create a platform where key actors could share knowledge and learn from each other with the aim of achieving sustained impact.

The Director, Global Reporting Initiatives, Mr Douglas Kativu, said, “Businesses have key roles in addressing the development deficit across the continent.

“The call to business is not premised on charitable contributions; SDGs present significant opportunities for investment, business growth and sustained returns.”