Nigeria’s Media Faces ESG Learning Curve Ahead of Reporting Mandate

 

Nigeria’s transition toward mandatory sustainability reporting is placing new demands on the country’s media, as journalists prepare to interpret increasingly complex Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures.

With roughly two years before compliance requirements take full effect for Public Interest Companies, the ability to analyse, contextualise, and scrutinise corporate sustainability data is becoming a critical capability within the media ecosystem.

At a recent training session organised by Harley Reed Nigeria, journalists and editors were introduced to the fundamentals of ESG reporting, including global frameworks, disclosure requirements, and analytical approaches. The session was led by Agatha Afemikhe, Assistant Manager, ESG Risks and Disclosures at the firm.

Afemikhe highlighted the importance of early engagement, noting that familiarity with ESG concepts and reporting structures will shape how effectively the media can assess corporate disclosures as requirements tighten.

From Access to Interpretation

As sustainability reporting becomes more widespread, the challenge for media professionals is shifting. Access to information is expanding and interpreting that information accurately is becoming more complex.

Participants were encouraged to:

• Simplify technical disclosures for broader audiences
• Interrogate inconsistencies in reported data
• Assess whether disclosures reflect substantive compliance or surface-level reporting

The role of the media is evolving accordingly, from information dissemination to analytical oversight.

The session also underscored the ethical dimension of ESG reporting. Journalists are expected to balance transparency, public interest, and professional relationships while maintaining independence in their analysis.

A System in Transition

Nigeria is currently in a voluntary adoption phase for ESG reporting, expected to run through 2027, before transitioning into a mandatory regime.

At the same time, global frameworks such as IFRS S1 and S2, developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board, are already shaping how companies approach sustainability and climate-related disclosures.

This alignment with international standards is increasing both the volume and complexity of ESG data entering the public domain.

It also introduces new risks.

Greenwashing — where companies overstate or misrepresent sustainability performance — remains a concern. Addressing this requires a deeper level of scrutiny, including an understanding of concepts such as double materiality and risk exposure across value chains.

Building Capacity Ahead of Enforcement

The training concluded with participants receiving certificates of participation, reflecting a growing effort to build ESG literacy within Nigeria’s media landscape.

Harley Reed Nigeria, which convened the session, works with organisations across sectors on ESG strategy, disclosures, and regulatory readiness. As sustainability requirements evolve, firms operating in this space are playing an increasing role in helping institutions interpret standards and adapt to shifting compliance expectations.