Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Statement sets out the steps that Farm Innovation Nigeria Ltd has taken during its financial year to prevent against modern day slavery and human trafficking in its business or anywhere in its supply chains during the financial year ending 31 December 2019. 

Introduction

This statement sets out Farm Innovation Nigeria Ltd ‘s actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019.

As part of the Agricultural research sector, the organisation recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking.

The organisation is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

Organisational structure and supply chains

This statement covers the activities of Farm Innovation Nigeria Ltd:

Farm Innovation Nigeria Ltd was birthed to develop carryout research and develop innovative solutions that see farmers improve their processes, increase their yield and subsequently increase their income. 

The Company provides a range of services including Research, Agribusiness development, E-extension services and Agric value chain development in Nigeria.

We have a network of more than 20 partners and organizations we work closely with nationwide, we conduct Agricultural research activities mostly in the northern, Western and Southern parts of the country in a bid to develop innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions for farmers across the country.

We partner with existing technology companies who deliver services on our behalf, we leverage Market Systems development to offer pro-poor opportunities for growth. We identify and work with third party tech companies to help achieve affordable and clean energy solutions to reduce the impact of climate change and we support smallholder farmers with labour saving devices and machines in a bid to enhance food production.

The following is the process by which the company assesses whether or not particular activities or countries are high risk in relation to slavery or human trafficking:

The key areas in which we engage suppliers are:

  • Supply of farm machineries and equipment
  • Information technology
  • Finance and Legal
  • Marketing and communications
  • Travel and Logistics
  • Information technology

Due diligence

As part of our approach to maintaining a supply chain that is free of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking, we require all potential partnering organizations to provide a copy or link to their anti-slavery statement. Where such a statement does not exist (for example, where the bidder does not meet the act’s criteria for a statement to be produced), we require a statement from the bidder confirming that it is committed to and acts according to the moral principles of the act.

We will take the necessary steps to terminate contracts with suppliers in the event that there is evidence of an external partner’s or supplier’s involvement in modern slavery or human trafficking.

Responsibility

Responsibility for the organisation’s anti-slavery initiatives is as follows;

  • Policies: As an organization, Farm Innovation Nigeria Ltd is absolutely opposed to modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms. The Company acknowledges responsibility to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and will ensure transparency within the organisation and with suppliers of goods and services to the business. Any instances of non-compliance will be investigated and subject to disciplinary action where necessary.
  • Training: All new employees, where appropriate, are currently required to attend an internal ethics training course and this will in future cover the identification and prevention of forms of forced or illegal labour (including human trafficking and modern slavery);

Relevant policies

The organisation operates the following policies that describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations.

  • Whistleblowing policy The organisation encourages all its workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, the organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The organisation’s whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. Employees, customers or others who have concerns can use our confidential helpline – +234 9067222804.
  • Employee code of conduct The organisation’s code makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing the organisation. The organisation strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating abroad and managing its supply chain.
  • Procurement code of conduct The organisation is committed to ensuring that its suppliers adhere to the highest standards of ethics. Suppliers are required to demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions where necessary, treat workers

with dignity and respect, and act ethically and within the law in their use of labour. The organisation works with suppliers to ensure that they meet the standards of the code and improve their worker’s working conditions. However, serious violations of the organisation’s supplier code of conduct will lead to the termination of the business relationship.

  • Recruitment/Agency worker’s policy The organisation uses only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency.

Board Approval

This statement has been approved by the organisation’s board of directors who will review and update it annually.

Signed by:

Olawale Arowolo

Director

Farm Innovation Nigeria Ltd

Date: 26 February 2019

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