LAGOS/Nigeria: KPMG Nigeria and the African Clean-up Initiative (ACI) have reaffirmed their dedication to environmental sustainability during a clean-up exercise at Oniru Beach. The partnership aims to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the region and promote a more sustainable future.
During the event, Mr. Uzodinma Nwankwo, Partner with KPMG Professional Services Nigeria, highlighted the firm’s ongoing two-year journey towards environmental sustainability and governance. He emphasized the growing recognition among businesses of the need to assess the impact of their operations on the environment. As part of their commitment to this global endeavor, KPMG has developed a comprehensive impact plan with four key pillars: Planet, People, Prosperity, and Governance.
Nwankwo takes personal responsibility for leading the Planet pillar, which focuses on ensuring the sustainability of the environment for future generations. The long-term journey extends beyond 2030, and the firm aims to integrate decarbonization strategies, nature preservation, biodiversity, and stakeholder engagement in their operations.
A significant aspect of KPMG’s approach involves actively engaging their clients in discussions about environmental sustainability and reporting requirements. This proactive approach extends beyond providing financial services, auditing, and tax services, demonstrating the firm’s dedication to promoting sustainability across various sectors.
The Oniru Beach clean-up exercise was one of many activities organized by KPMG over several months to address environmental concerns. The initiative coincided with global events like World Environment Day on June 5, which focused on combating plastic pollution, and World Ocean Day on June 8, highlighting the negative impacts of human activities on oceans. The firm’s commitment to tackling plastic pollution was evident through these initiatives.
Urging collaboration to solve the plastic pollution problem, Nwankwo stressed the importance of sustainable waste management practices. Only a small fraction of plastics produced annually are recycled, with a significant amount ending up in landfills or the ocean. Such environmental negligence has resulted in severe consequences for marine life, as plastics harm marine species and contribute to toxins in the food chain.
For ACI, the partnership with KPMG represents a significant step in furthering their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts and promoting environmental responsibility. Mr. Shedrack Bright, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager for ACI, highlighted the significance of the clean-up exercise in raising awareness about environmental sustainability. The emphasis was on encouraging waste separation and sorting practices at the beach to minimize environmental impact.
KPMG’s collaboration with ACI as the implementing partner for the Oniru Beach clean-up showcases the firm’s genuine concern for the environment and desire to be part of the solution. The joint efforts between KPMG and ACI aim to foster positive changes in lifestyle, promoting the principles of reuse, reduction, and recycling of plastics to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution.
The partnership between KPMG Nigeria and the African Clean-up Initiative serves as a powerful testament to the commitment of the private sector in championing environmental sustainability. By working together and taking measurable actions, the duo hopes to contribute significantly to safeguarding the environment and creating a better future for all.
