Nigerian outsourcing firms urged to adopt sustainable practices
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Nigerian outsourcing firms are being urged to prioritize sustainability as the industry seeks to compete globally, according to a Business Day report.
Experts at the Association of Outsourcing Professionals of Nigeria (AOPN) Interface and the 11th Induction Conference emphasized that integrating sustainable practices is essential for firms to operate responsibly and capture premium outsourcing opportunities.
ESG principles and sustainable outsourcing
Teju Abisoye, executive secretary and national coordinator of the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), stressed that Nigeria’s outsourcing sector must rapidly transform its capabilities and move up the global value chain.
She recommended setting clear sustainability targets aligned with long-term business objectives and adopting the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pillars.
“If you want to capture a premium outsourcing market today, with contracts that truly scale and build national wealth, you would have to master the ESG,” Abisoye said, highlighting that ESG integration is vital for firms seeking international recognition.
Mope Abudu, AOPN president and CEO of Knight and Bishop Consultancy Nigeria Limited, echoed this view, urging outsourcing firms to serve as models of sustainable business, consistently advancing their processes, offerings, and practices each year.
She added that technology is increasingly a key driver of sustainability, efficiency, and accessibility, urging companies to use digital tools to improve operations while upholding global standards.
Nigeria’s opportunity in the global outsourcing market
Kashifu Inuwa, director general and CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said Nigeria is strategically positioned to capture a substantial share of the growing global outsourcing market, projected to reach US$7.11 trillion by 2030.
“With our vast youth population and rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, Nigeria is well-positioned to capture a substantial share of these opportunities,” he said.
Nigerian firms can also draw inspiration from international benchmarks.
Outsource Accelerator’s Outsourcing Impact Review 2025 (OIR 2025) highlights leading firms that successfully implemented sustainability strategies: green office practices, renewable energy investment, carbon reduction initiatives, and holistic employee well-being programs.
The report also emphasizes outsourcing’s social impact, showcasing initiatives that strengthen communities, such as reforestation and clean-water projects, and advocating transparency in reporting social and environmental outcomes.
By adopting these practices, Nigerian outsourcing firms can enhance their sustainability, demonstrate global competitiveness, and build lasting client trust, ensuring long-term growth and recognition in the international outsourcing industry.
