Nigerian Breweries strengthens financial position, optimistic of sustained growth

By Moses Nosike

Nigeria’s foremost brewing company, Nigerian Breweries Plc, has recorded a notable improvement in its financial standing, driven by strategic initiatives and prudent financial management, further reinforcing its outlook for sustainable growth.

The company disclosed this during its pre-Annual General Meeting (AGM) media briefing on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, where it provided insights into its financial performance and strategic priorities.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, NB Plc, Thibaut Boidin, noted that the company’s forward-looking strategy, focused on stability, growth, and innovation through strengthened core operations and prudent expansion, is expected to sustain recovery, enhance stakeholder value, and reinforce its leadership in Nigeria’s beverage industry.

“We started 2026 on a very strong footing, with a healthier balance sheet and solid commercial plans in place. While we do not disclose projections at this stage, we are optimistic about the year ahead and confident in our ability to build on the progress we have made,” he said.

Speaking on the company’s financial outlook, Finance Director, NB Plc, Maria Karaseva, explained that the company’s strategic deleveraging efforts, driven by a successful rights issue, have significantly reduced borrowings, strengthened financial stability, and boosted investor confidence for sustainable growth.

Karaseva added that the company’s dividend policy is guided by regulatory and corporate governance requirements, with payouts determined by retained earnings rather than annual profitability.

“Following the rights issue, we saw a significant improvement in our borrowing position. We ended 2024 with borrowings above N200 billion, but by the end of 2025, this had reduced to about N59 billion. This reflects the direct impact of the rights issue. While we remain in a silent period and cannot disclose figures for 2026, we are continuing to work towards further reductions. We are confident that our results will reflect this positive trajectory,” she added.

Nigerian Breweries remains committed to financial discipline, improved operational efficiency, and long-term value creation as it navigates Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.