- Nigerian firms face an escalating ESG talent gap that threatens sustainability reporting quality.
- Upskilling internal teams rapidly is now a strategic priority, not an HR optional.
- This article outlines actionable steps to build ESG reporting expertise and how Teasoo Consulting can help.
As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting becomes mandatory in many global markets and increasingly expected by investors and stakeholders, Nigerian organisations are racing to build internal capacity. Yet a growing body of evidence shows that organisations worldwide are struggling to source and develop the right sustainability skills and Nigeria is no exception. Effective ESG reporting requires not just enthusiasm but cross-functional expertise in data, governance, materiality assessment, disclosure standards, and stakeholder engagement. Below, we examine the ESG talent gap affecting Nigerian teams and provide a roadmap to close it with practical upskilling strategies.
The ESG Talent Gap: What the Data Shows
Across sectors, the mismatch between demand for sustainability skills and available expertise continues to widen. Job postings requiring specialised ESG skills are growing faster than the talent pool that can fill them, with ESG-related job vacancies rising by about 23% between 2022 and 2023, while the qualified talent pool grew by only 12% in the same period. This imbalance is particularly acute for mid-level roles that require a blend of regulatory, data, and analytical skills critical for robust reporting.
Moreover, as ESG frameworks and reporting standards evolve, traditional education systems and training programmes have struggled to keep up. Formal ESG programmes are still relatively nascent in many curricula, meaning the supply of specialised ESG professionals remains limited.
For organisations in Nigeria, where sustainability reporting is increasingly expected by regulators, lenders, and investors, this talent gap directly affects credibility, compliance readiness, and access to sustainable finance.
Why Nigerian Teams Need ESG Skills Now
ESG reporting is no longer optional. Institutional investors, development finance institutions, and even domestic regulators are embedding ESG considerations into capital allocation decisions. Companies that cannot produce high-quality sustainability disclosures risk:
- Loss of investor confidence and increased cost of capital
- Regulatory fines or restrictions on access to certain markets
- Reputational damage from inconsistent or greenwashed reporting
This means Nigerian firms must build internal capabilities in areas such as:
- Data collection and verification (accurate measurement of emissions, social indicators, governance metrics)
- Framework fluency (understanding IFRS, GRI, SASB, and other emerging mandatory standards)
- Cross-functional collaboration (bridging finance, operations, HR, and compliance around ESG data)
Practical Steps to Upskill Your ESG Workforce
The good news is that companies don’t have to wait for universities to graduate sustainability specialists. Below are actions organisations can implement now to build internal ESG reporting capability:
1. Start with foundational training
Equip staff across functions with understanding of ESG principles, reporting frameworks, and stakeholder expectations. Consider certified courses in sustainability reporting that cover material topics, data collection, and communication of ESG performance.
2. Embed cross-functional learning
Rather than siloing ESG within one department, create learning cohorts that include finance, operations, HR, and risk teams. This fosters shared ownership of reporting processes and improves the quality of disclosures.
3. Mix theory with hands-on practice
In addition to classroom learning, provide opportunities for employees to work on real reporting tasks under supervision. This helps turn abstract knowledge into actionable expertise.
4. Leverage technology to reinforce skills
Even well-trained teams struggle without the right tools. Upskilling should include training on data management platforms, sustainability metrics software, and emerging tools that automate parts of the reporting workflow.
5. Reward and retain ESG talent
As demand for sustainability professionals grows globally, skilled ESG workers are increasingly mobile and can command premium compensation. Recognise ESG capabilities with career paths and incentives to retain in-house talent.
Common Barriers to Upskilling (and How to Overcome Them)
While many leaders understand the urgency of closing the talent gap, they face practical barriers:
- Steep learning curve: Many internal hires transition into ESG roles without prior experience, and find the pace of change overwhelming. Around 76% of sustainability professionals surveyed reported that the evolving nature of ESG skills is their biggest challenge.
- Time constraints: Employees balancing core responsibilities with new ESG mandates may struggle to dedicate time to learning.
- Lack of tailored training: Generic courses may not align to specific reporting standards or the regulatory context in Nigeria.
To overcome these barriers, organisations should prioritise tailored, context-relevant upskilling programmes that combine expert instruction with on-the-job application.
The Payoff: Better Reporting, Better Business
Investing in ESG talent pays dividends:
- Organisations with comprehensive ESG training programmes have been shown to have significantly greater success in meeting their sustainability targets, including improvements in compliance, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
- Skilled teams are better equipped to produce transparent, high-integrity reports that withstand investor scrutiny and reduce risk of accusations like greenwashing.
Takeaway
- The ESG talent gap is real and growing, demand for specialised sustainability skills is outpacing supply.
- Nigerian organisations must move beyond ad-hoc hiring and invest deliberately in upskilling internal teams for reporting excellence.
- Practical training, cross-functional learning, and technology literacy are key pillars of a successful upskilling strategy.
How Teasoo Consulting Can Help (and Your Next Step)
At Teasoo Consulting, we specialise in equipping Nigerian organisations with the skills and systems they need to succeed in the era of ESG reporting. Our tailored solutions include:
- ESG competency assessments to identify gaps and priority areas.
- Custom learning pathways combining executive workshops, practical reporting labs, and on-the-job mentoring.
- Integration support for ESG frameworks, data platforms, and reporting governance processes.
Whether you’re just beginning your ESG journey or looking to elevate your reporting quality, we can partner with you to build a workforce that delivers credible sustainability disclosures.
