Girish Sharma, Managing Director of the Guinness Nigeria PLC, has paid glowing tribute to all the stakeholders whose contributions led to the successful outing of the company in its 75 years of brewing.
Sharma also says that the company is preparing for a more impactful future.
In a statement released by the company on Monday, Sharma said that the milestone was not just a celebration of how far the firm had come, “but a tribute to the people who have built the legacy with us.”
He said, “From distributors and farmers to consumers and employees, this company has been shaped by thousands of hands and hearts. As we step into this new chapter, our focus is clear – we are building for more. More connection. More purpose. More impact. We remain rooted in our purpose of celebrating life every day, everywhere; and the next 75 years and beyond begin with that same bold spirit.”
Guinness Nigeria PLC, a foremost total beverage alcohol company, is commemorating 75 bold and impactful years – a celebration of heritage, innovation, and deep-rooted connection to the Nigerian people.
Established in 1950 and opening its first brewery in Lagos in 1962 – the very first Guinness brewery outside Ireland and the UK – Guinness Nigeria has evolved into more than a company.
The Managing Director further said that Guinness Nigeria had “become a national treasure, woven into the fabric of Nigerian culture through the generations. From its iconic brands to its enduring values, the company has become a symbol of resilience, quality, and shared celebration.
“With a diverse and vibrant portfolio that includes Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Guinness Smooth, Malta Guinness, Orijin, Smirnoff, Dubic Malt, Gordon’s and more, Guinness Nigeria has remained a constant presence in everyday moments, family celebrations, and national milestones.”
The statement also stated that as part of its anniversary celebrations, Guinness Nigeria was reaffirming its legacy of social impact and community development.
It noted that through its long-standing Guinness Eye Centres in Lagos and Onitsha, the company is sponsoring free eye surgeries to restore sight and improve lives.
This initiative builds on Guinness Nigeria’s enduring commitment to healthcare, safe water access, education, and uplifting communities across the country.
Guinness Nigeria has consistently championed purposeful progress – investing in people, communities, and the future.
It further noted that through its Water of Life programme, the company had provided access to clean drinking water for over 500,000 Nigerians. Its Plan-W initiative has empowered over a thousand women with entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, while the Guinness Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme is helping bright students across the country pursue quality education.
For over 20 years, its partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has driven national awareness around responsible drinking and road safety. And as far back as the 1980s, Guinness Nigeria pioneered the use of locally sourced sorghum in the production of its iconic brands – empowering farmers and reducing dependence on imports, long before local sourcing became standard practice.
As part of the activities to mark the milestone, the company said it was rolling out a series of events including the launch of a commemorative 75th anniversary documentary, limited-edition bottles, a nationwide consumer promo, and staff-focused celebrations such as an interdepartmental football tournament and parties across its Lagos, Benin, and field locations.
The anniversary also marks a new era for the company following the recent change in majority shareholding.
Sharma emphasised that “This transition is already unlocking opportunities for greater local agility, deeper supply chain investment, and accelerated innovation – while reinforcing Guinness Nigeria’s identity as a proudly Nigerian company operating with global standards.
“Guinness Nigeria is stronger, more agile, and more ambitious than ever. We are not just celebrating a legacy – we are preparing for the future. This is a company built on trust, quality, and purpose. And we’re just getting started.”
