Guinness Nigeria told Lagos journalists this week that Nigeria has become the third-largest market for the Guinness brand worldwide, trailing only Ireland and the United Kingdom, as the company used a media briefing to walk reporters through its financial turnaround and governance credentials under new majority owner Tolaram Group.
Finance and Strategy Director Mayank Kabra, presenting on behalf of Managing Director Girish Sharma, cited audited results for the 18-month period ended December 2025: net sales of ₦730.8 billion, net profit of ₦41.2 billion, and operating profit of ₦89.3 billion, a 251% increase against the prior 12-month cycle, per the company’s published financials. The results follow a ₦54.8 billion loss in the previous financial year and mark the first fully audited period under Tolaram, which completed its acquisition of Diageo’s 58.02% stake on 30th September, 2024. First-quarter 2026 net profit rose 47.9% to ₦10.4 billion.
“Our transformation journey is anchored on operational excellence, consumer obsession, disciplined financial management, and a winning culture,” Kabra said. “We are building a business that is not only resilient, but also capable of delivering sustainable value to consumers, employees, communities, and shareholders.”
As Drinkabl.media reported, the Q1 2026 numbers had already pointed to a structural rebound: the board approved an interim dividend of ₦2.00 per share, the first payout in several years.
“Strong governance, ethical conduct, and meaningful community engagement are not peripheral to how we operate; they are central to it. As we continue to grow, we remain intentional about doing business the right way and contributing to the communities that have supported us for over seven decades.”
Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations and Legal Director, Guinness Nigeria
Corporate Relations and Legal Director, Rotimi Odusola told reporters that the company was among the first certified under the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. Corporate Governance Rating Scheme. He highlighted ongoing social investments: more than 100 students have received scholarships through the undergraduate programme since 2019, per company figures, and Guinness Eye Centres in Lagos and Onitsha continue to receive capital for equipment, renovation, and cataract procedures.
“Strong governance, ethical conduct, and meaningful community engagement are not peripheral to how we operate; they are central to it,” Odusola said. “As we continue to grow, we remain intentional about doing business the right way and contributing to the communities that have supported us for over seven decades.”
Human Resources Director Ayodeji Ajibola said sales upskilling programmes boosted salesforce productivity by 11% and redistribution growth by 21%, per internal company figures shared at the briefing. Tolaram acquired Diageo’s majority stake at ₦81.60 per share, a 63% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average price at announcement, per Diageo’s published disclosures.
Read More
- Guinness Nigeria’s Q1 Profit Surge Seals Tolaram’s Turnaround Thesis
- Industry News & Analysis on Drinkabl.media
