The report discusses the challenges and effects of anti-corruption policies across myriad Industrial sectors in Nigeria. It emphasizes the 10th principle by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) – “Businesses should avoid corruption in all forms”.
There are 3 broad areas for which companies are scrutinized:
– supply chain procedures
– Anti corruption policies
– Showcasing of ethical behavior
The report goes further to showcase the work several companies have done to combat corruption. These are presented below.
DN Tyre and Rubber PLC
The company has been in operation since 1961; it is a subsidiary of the DUNLOP UK and is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. It’s known to be one of the companies that uphold quality in its services and products in Nigeria.
There are strict policies that guide the company in their operations, manufacturing and supply departments. These policies are aimed at preventing corruption and promoting good governance.
For example, they have successfully developed and enforced solid supply chain policies, team building awareness and employee sensitization towards a corruption free environment.
The company also has an effectively monitored whistle- blowing program as well as a well structured reporting chain.
These channels promote transparency and emphasize their zero-tolerance policy.
Nestle Nigeria PLC
Nestle Nigeria PLC is a subsidiary of the multinational Swiss Nestle company. It’s known to be the largest food company in the world, as well as one of the leading manufacturers of home and lifestyle products.
The company has always emphasized on the core commitment of ‘management and leadership principles’. The administration at Nestle worldwide requires all its parties to show deference to all standards. The company ensures that the quality of their products are strictly guided by the Nestle quality policy. They also have an effective quality management system which can be accessed by consumers globally.
In addition, the company has a strong anti-corruption commitment. Employees are comprehensively trained and advised to nix corruption prone pursuits to avoid disciplinary or criminal charges.
On the company’s reporting mechanism, Nestle’s integrity reporting system is run by a third party and is readily available to all employees to raise anonymous concerns or report illegal acts.
The company also partakes in the Creating Shared Values (CSV) business concept that encourages business to create economic and social values. Nestle’s CSV tenets are nutrition, water and rural development.
Shell Nigeria
Shell Nigeria is a subsidiary of the international company, SHELL PLC. They are a natural gas exploration and distribution company. The company has numerous offices across Nigeria and employs over 6,000 staff.
Shell employees and contractors stand by a set of core values ‘honesty, integrity & respect for people’. These values also consists of the Shell General Business Principle. The company has solid ethics and compliance structures that have proven to be profitable for business.
They retain an internal code of ethics. The company compliance program supports its anti-bribery and anti- corruption cause.
Staff and contractors are cautioned never to accept any forms of payment or bribery.
Furthermore, Shell Nigeria spearheaded the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, an initiative that encourages oil production companies like Shell to increase transparency of taxes, revenues and royalties paid to the government.
Stanbic IBTC Bank
Stanbic IBTC is a financial services provider that has shown some efforts towards showcasing ethical practice and solid compliance standards.
The company has a number of supply chain policies and checks the quality of its services by using reference checks, yearly risk and control self assessments on employees, etc.
On their anti- corruption and ethics policy, Stanbic IBTC focuses on responsibility and sustainability in their business. They have different units and disciplinary procedures in place that work together to mitigate corruption within the institution.
The bank is also very keen in corporate citizenship and contributes to the socio-economic development of communities in their environs.
They also have clear code of ethics for staff and contractors, as well as distinct reporting mechanisms and an effective reporting procedure.
Siemens AG
Siemens is a multinational engineering and electronics conglomerate and has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2003.
In Nigeria, Siemens is very keen on responsibly providing innovative products and services for society, while fulfilling ethical, economic, ecological and social responsibilities.
The company is very clear on partaking in only ‘clean’ business. The supply chain management consists of policies and controls to prevent internal fraud and corruption. The Siemens supply chain is regulated and audited regularly.
The Siemens company has a strong compliance system. It adheres to the standards set by the United Nations Global Compact ten principles. It has zero tolerance for corrupt businesses, a transparent gift and hospitality policy, business partner policies, etc.
These are all put in place to foster the company’s business activities and commitment to the contribution of the wellbeing of societies it serves.
St Nicholas Hospital
The hospital is a large private medical practice situated in Lagos, Nigeria. It runs highly specialized healthcare services and is one of the best in West Africa.
The hospital runs on a solid governance structure, internal codes of conduct and also complies with national health acts and regulations.
The hospital is attached to different third party units and contractors. They stand firm on their procurement policies, safety and efficacy policies, etc.
They are undoubtedly a zero- tolerance policy organization. They have an active whistle blowing policy that discourages unethical behavior in their business practices.
MTN Nigeria Communications Limited
MTN is a renowned telecommunication giant in Africa. It’s also known for being a company that is compliant with best practices in anti-corruption and better corporate governance.
They have a solid corporate governance structure that retains full control of the company’s operations. The company is compliant with local and global standards and protocols.
They are fully committed to embedding the highest standards of ethics and good governance in their business operations, and they completely focus on business integrity and a sustainable government model.
In conclusion, these case study companies and institutions pose as framework for Nigeria to build and amend its governance structure and zero tolerance approach to corruption. Many of these companies are in no way perfect in their avoidance of corruption. Some have made mistakes along the way, but are coming out of it with lessons learned. Still, all these companies have made those first few steps of establishing the enabling policies and structures needed to navigate anti-corruption in their operations. And this is undoubtedly commendable.