The year 2015 has been a very exciting one for us Nigerians, particularly, as we have witnessed a major event, the transition of government from one political party to another. This singular event is poised to improve the socio-economy situation of the country in which the happening at the central government dictates greatly. This is so because the 36 states of the nation, including the Federal Capital Territory depends largely on the economy dictates and financial collections from the central.
Since the end of 2014 and till the changeover of government by the end of May 2015, a lot of things were more or less on stand still. The economy, most affected. This was compounded by the rapid dropping in global crude oil price, considering the fact that crude contributes over 90% of our foreign earnings according to the central bank of Nigeria, CBN.
With the exception of the media houses where the political parties and gladiators battled to outspend themselves, and maybe some of the petroleum product importers, I don’t know any other sector that weren’t affected.
However, contrary to the prediction of some bookmakers, we showed the whole world that we have come of age as a nation, able to govern ourselves, and manage our crisis. This has changed some of the negative perceptions about us as the true giant of Africa….. Nigeria is promising!
Nigeria is an investor’s destination of choice at the moment, no doubt about that; there are not so many places where you could get good return on your investment quicker than Nigeria. And there are vital indicators for this trend to continue. Our youthful population, which also means huge market, abundant natural resources, work force, arable land, access to the sea etc. We have had increasing influx of top global brands in recent time and those already on ground expanding their operations. Global renowned brands like Walmart, GE, and Unilever etc. are thriving in the land. A recent report by Bloomberg indicated that Nigeria is number 6 on the top 20 global growth rate and one of the emerging markets in Asia and Africa, also on the global growth projection for the next two years.
A survey by Wall street Journal sometimes in 2014 indicated that ‘Nigeria is the frontier market that attracts the most attention from American and European multinationals. Argentina, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia followed respectively’.
All these are exciting indication of a better time ahead.
We hope that the newly formed government and its economy policies will help in driving this positive outlook for the betterment of the nation and its citizens.
We also hope that the insecurity problems, particularly in the North-Eastern part of the country will be subdue finally as promised by the Nigerian army, and the collective will of every Nigeria.
Top 50 Brands 2015
In this publication, we present a report on the annual TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA® and the profiles of the top brands.
Branding as had been said repeatedly has gone beyond beautiful logo and fanciful fonts or images combine. Brand is essentially a promise and successful brands keep their promises.
The good thing here is that a lot of brands are seeing the value in their brand as a vital asset that determines the continuity, profitability and sustainability of their businesses. Unlike the past, major brands have woken up and now engaging experts in managing their brand as an vital asset which sell their goods/services. A good advertisement will get buyers to buy for once; however, your integrity in living up to your promises (brand) is what sustains your business. This perception is what we are attempting to measure.
A number of factors were considered in the selection of the top brands this year, as will be highlighted in the content. Of important is the top on the mind factor, popularity, acceptability, spread, availability loyalty etc.
We are getting to a point now in a market like ours, where you may just be on your way out of this highly competitive market if you neglect the importance of living your promises, because unlike the past, brand integrity is fast becoming a source of competitive advantage. A healthy brand with the hope of profitable continuity is the brand that has meaningful purpose, transparent and it is distinctively recognisable in the pack. Becoming part of the community and adding values. A healthy brand must be trustworthy and definitely consistent.
The purpose of this publication is therefore to inform our growing audience about major brands operational in Nigeria.
REPORTS INOVER 90 COUNTRIES
Now in its third year, the Brand Nigeria annual publication which debut online in March 2014 has been viewed and down loaded from over 90 countries around the world. This is an indication of how much people require information about businesses in Nigeria.
In this new edition, apart from the top brands profile, we have our usual brand research paper by Prof. Priya, our research advisor, special articles and an exciting comparative of synergy between personal brand and corporate brand, in form of an interview with Celine Loader, a case study of Celine Loader. We also get more expert opinion on the important subject of ‘Customer Centricity’ – Mrs. Josephine Aligwekwe, West Africa CEO at V andO Communications did justice to that. And we top it up with an interview with Mr. Chidi Okoro, business Manager with history of consistent standout performance across industry sectors and geography under the CEO chat section.
Taiwo Oluboyede
