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NASCO GROUP

NASCO Group is one of the largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in the West Africa region and is headquartered in Jos, Nigeria. The company manufactures and distributes a collection of popular brands across the food and household sectors.

NASCO is the largest private employer in Plateau State, and one of the largest private employers in all of northern Nigeria. The company directly employs thousands of people across its various sites and offices, and indirectly sustains the employment and livelihoods of over 350,000 people across the nation. It also has one of the most efficient distribution networks in the region, ensuring that its products reach millions of homes in faraway markets.

History

NASCO started operations in 1963 with the establishment of a jute bag factory in the central city of Jos, Nigeria – the very first in sub-Saharan Africa. This was in response to the desire of the founding fathers of Nigeria on the eve of independence to meet the challenges for the effective bagging, storage and export of the large agricultural yields prevalent in the nation.

Successive generations have continued to grow the company and adapt the business as markets evolved. Over this period, NASCO has achieved many milestones and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s rich agricultural and industrial heritage. With faith in the local economy, many new factories were established in diverse areas from food and household products to packaging materials and industrial chemicals. Today NASCO has become renowned for the quality of its products and for its ability to match product to demand.

Corporate governance

NASCO’s Board of Directors oversees the Group and is responsible for approving long-term strategy and driving shareholder value. The Board is composed of a mix of executive and non-executive directors who meet regularly to review the Group’s plans, capital budgets and operating results.

Business areas

NASCO Group is comprised of several distinct business divisions, though its core business is the production and distribution of a diverse range of food and household products. Most of NASCO’s manufacturing plants and offices are co-located in a vast industrial complex covering a one-kilometer highway stretch in the central city of Jos. The company’s major factories are all ISO 9001:2008 certified.

NASCO Foods NASCO Foods is the biscuit, cereal and snack unit of the Group, and is a leading producer of many popular brands. It produces the nation’s favourite breakfast cereals, as well as a rich variety of quality biscuits and snacks.

NASCO Household NASCO Household is the detergent, soap and cosmetic unit of the Group, and is a manufacturer of a variety of renowned products as well as industrial chemicals. It is a customer-oriented business with a dedication to unique products and brands that have become an integral part of peoples’ daily lives.

NASCO Pack NASCO Pack is the packaging and paper converting division of the Group, and serves the packaging needs of the associate NASCO units as well as external clients. It specializes in multi-colour offset printing and corrugated boxboard cartons, and is a strong player in the packaging sector of the economy.

NASCO Fibre NASCO Fibre is the Group’s longest established company, and was founded in 1963 as a manufacturer of jute bags for the country’s thriving agricultural sector. Over the years it has diversified into the production of carpets and blankets, and today it is a major supplier of felt to the mattress industry and automotive industry.

NASCO Riceco NASCO Riceco is the milling and processing division of the Group, and its central location provides easy access to some of the best arable cropping areas in the region. It processes a variety of grains such as rice, maize and wheat flour, further supporting the nation’s farming community and agricultural development.

NASCO Trade NASCO Trade (Nastrade) is the general trading arm of the Group. It focuses on the external conversion and distribution of various NASCO branded products such as cube sugar and quality tea.

NASCO Property NASCO Property (NIPCO) specializes in the investment, management and provision of high-quality residential and commercial properties for rent, from executive homes and smart apartments to modern offices and vast warehouses.

Corporate social responsibility

The principles of Corporate Social Responsibility are at the very heart of NASCO, and are reflected throughout the company’s long-standing business practices. NASCO works closely with reputable charitable organizations that are transparent and have a track record of delivering life-changing programmes in deprived areas. The company’s CSR programmes are mainly designed to help people break-out of the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient.

Community involvement NASCO has a genuine commitment to the advancement of peaceful coexistence, as well as the promotion of socio-economic growth and development in the nation. The company has sponsored, supported and participated in numerous peace missions with local communities, government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

Environmental sustainability NASCO has been working closely with the National Environmental Standards & Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to develop and institute new mechanisms for ensuring a safer and cleaner environment across every part of the business. In all its production sites, the company has been implementing practices in the areas of water management, energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Responsible sourcing NASCO has long been the champion of Nigerian agriculture by sourcing as much of its grains from local farmers. The company is actively involved in the Federal Government Policy of backward integration, which encourages and supports regional farms. NASCO have invested substantially in large tracts of farmland to directly engage farmers for the supply of grains to its processing plant. Through such assistance, the revenue that is generated feeds back into rural communities and creates further benefits.

Awards

Certificate of Excellence 2011 – Superbrands, London, UK NASCO Group was given this prestigious award in recognition of its achievement of Superbrand status, having demonstrated its stature as one of the strongest performing brands in the country.

Peace Ambassador 2011 – Foundation for Peace & Non-Violence in Nigeria NASCO Group was given this award for its support and sponsorship of numerous peace missions with local communities, NGOs and government agencies.

Best Employer Award 2009 – Industrial Training Fund (ITF) NASCO Group was given this distinguished award in recognition and appreciation for being the best contributing employer in the region.

Vocational Service Award 2006 – Rotary Club NASCO Group was presented with this prestigious award by the Rotary Club for its commitment to adhering to high ethical standards in all its business dealings.

Company of the Year 2003 – The Banker, Financial Times, UK NASCO Group was presented with this major international award by The Banker for being the best company of the year in Nigeria.

Marketing Award 1999 – The Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria NASCO Foods was presented with this important award for being the best market-driven biscuit company in the country.

Best Trade Name 1993 – 18th International Award, Madrid, Spain NASCO Pack was presented with this prestigious international award for having the best global trade name in its sector.