In recent years, sustainability reporting has become more than a box-ticking exercise. It is now a fundamental aspect of strategic communication, investor confidence, and long-term corporate resilience. For organisations across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, the shift from opaque operations to transparent, stakeholder-driven reporting is gaining momentum. However, as more organisations adopt the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards—the most widely used sustainability reporting framework in the world—one question continues to surface: What does it really mean to report “in accordance with” GRI, as opposed to “with reference to” it?
This distinction is more than semantic. It speaks to the depth, credibility, and strategic intent behind a company’s sustainability disclosures.
Understanding the GRI Standards Framework
The GRI Standards, developed by the Global Reporting Initiative, provide a comprehensive and globally recognised framework for organisations to measure and disclose their economic, environmental, and social impacts. In 2021, GRI released a revised set of Universal Standards to strengthen the consistency, comparability, and completeness of sustainability reporting.
Under these updated Standards, there are two primary ways to use GRI for reporting:
- Reporting “In Accordance With” GRI Standards
- Reporting “With Reference To” GRI Standards
Each method serves a different purpose, and the choice between them depends on an organisation’s maturity, stakeholder needs, and internal capacity.
“In Accordance With”: A Comprehensive and Credible Approach
To report “in accordance with” GRI means that the organisation has met all core requirements of the GRI Standards, including:
- Materiality assessment conducted in consultation with stakeholders
- Disclosure of all applicable GRI General and Topic-specific Standards
- Clear explanations of omissions, if any, based on valid criteria
- Disclosure of policies, practices, and performance indicators across all key ESG domains
This approach is the gold standard. It signals that an organisation has embedded sustainability into its strategy, governance, and operations. For investors, regulators, and stakeholders, “in accordance with” reporting provides confidence that the data is complete, comparable, and decision-useful.
However, achieving this status demands a robust internal process, dedicated resources, and cross-functional collaboration. It is ideal for companies aiming for best-in-class disclosure, particularly those with international exposure, regulatory scrutiny, or stakeholder activism.
“With Reference To”: A Flexible First Step
On the other hand, “with reference to” GRI allows organisations to start their reporting journey in a less rigid format. It enables companies to:
- Use selected GRI Standards based on internal priorities
- Disclose information that is most relevant to them
- Avoid the pressure of comprehensive materiality assessment or full indicator coverage
This approach works well for SMEs, start-ups, or companies just beginning to formalise their ESG reporting. It offers flexibility but comes with trade-offs—namely, reduced comparability and limited alignment with global reporting benchmarks.
While “with reference to” may serve as a practical starting point, organisations must view it as a stepping stone toward full “in accordance with” reporting over time.
In Nigeria, where sustainability regulations are fast evolving—especially with the Financial Reporting Council’s growing alignment with global standards—reporting “in accordance with” GRI will soon become a benchmark of corporate accountability. Multinationals, listed companies, and institutions seeking global funding or partnerships will increasingly need to meet this higher standard.
Moreover, in Africa, where ESG risks intersect with social inequity, environmental degradation, and governance gaps, meaningful sustainability disclosure is more than a reputation tool—it is a lifeline. It enables communities, policymakers, and civil society to hold corporations accountable, shape development priorities, and foster inclusive growth.
Whether your organisation is ready to report “in accordance with” GRI or just beginning to understand what “with reference to” entails, the most important step is getting started with the right knowledge.
At CSR-in-Action, we are committed to building capacity for meaningful sustainability reporting across Africa. That is why we are inviting you to join our upcoming GRI Standards Certified Training, taking place this 13th to 15th May 2025 (virtual). As a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Certified Training Partner, our programme will guide participants through the structure and application of the 2021 GRI Standards, demystify reporting pathways, and prepare professionals and organisations to make informed, credible disclosures.
This training is ideal for sustainability professionals, ESG managers, compliance officers, communication teams, and business leaders seeking to align with international best practices.
Sustainability is not just what you do—it is how you show what you do. GRI offers the language, the structure, and the credibility to speak with authority in a world demanding transparency. Whether you reference or align, the future belongs to those who report it well.
Let CSR-in-Action be your partner on that journey.