Guinness Nigeria Plc is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a renewed focus on connection, purpose, and impact, especially in the wake of a recent change in majority shareholding. As the company commemorates this significant milestone, it is embracing greater local agility and innovation, according to Girish Sharma, the Managing Director.
A Legacy of Resilience and Celebration
Reflecting on Guinness Nigeria’s 75-year history, Sharma emphasized the company’s remarkable evolution since its founding in 1950 and the opening of its first brewery in Lagos in 1962. “Guinness Nigeria has evolved beyond a business—it has become a national treasure,” he said, underscoring how the brand has become integral to Nigerian culture through generations.
“From our iconic brands to our enduring values, Guinness has embodied resilience, quality, and shared celebration. This milestone is not just about our achievements, but a tribute to the thousands of people who have helped shape this legacy—from farmers and distributors to employees and consumers.”
Fostering More Connection, Purpose, and Impact
Looking forward, Guinness Nigeria aims to continue its journey with a focus on building deeper connections and expanding its impact across communities. “As we enter this next chapter, our focus is clear: more connection, more purpose, and more impact,” Sharma stated. “We remain dedicated to celebrating life every day, everywhere, with the same bold spirit that has defined us for 75 years.”
Long-Standing Social Contributions
Sharma also highlighted the company’s legacy of social responsibility and its significant contributions to community development. The Guinness Eye Centres in Lagos and Onitsha, which provide free eye surgeries, serve as a prime example of this commitment to health and well-being.
Through initiatives like Water of Life, which has provided clean drinking water to over 500,000 Nigerians, and the Plan-W initiative, which has empowered over 1,000 women with financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills, Guinness Nigeria continues to make a tangible difference. The company’s longstanding partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised awareness about responsible drinking and road safety for over 20 years.
Empowering Local Farmers and Communities
Since the 1980s, Guinness Nigeria has pioneered the use of locally sourced sorghum in its production processes, which not only empowers farmers but also reduces the company’s reliance on imported ingredients. This initiative helped shape local sourcing practices long before they became the industry standard.
A New Era for Guinness Nigeria
To mark its 75th anniversary, Guinness Nigeria is rolling out several celebratory activities, including the release of a commemorative documentary, limited-edition bottles, a nationwide consumer promotion, and staff events like an interdepartmental football tournament and parties at its Lagos, Benin, and field locations.
Sharma also discussed the significance of the recent change in majority shareholding, noting that it has unlocked new opportunities for greater local flexibility, enhanced supply chain investment, and accelerated innovation. This transition positions Guinness Nigeria to remain a proudly Nigerian company that operates with global standards.
“Guinness Nigeria is now stronger, more agile, and more ambitious than ever,” Sharma concluded. “We are not merely celebrating our legacy; we are preparing for a bright future. This is a company built on trust, quality, and purpose—and we’re just getting started.”
