The partnership highlights BAT Nigeria’s dedication to addressing climate change and promoting responsible business practices, a critical focus as Africa navigates rapid industrialization and economic growth.
With businesses in Nigeria increasingly aligning their strategies with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the focus on ESG principles is becoming more central to operations.
BAT Nigeria, in particular, has positioned itself as a leader in this shift, setting ambitious targets such as achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The Managing Director of BAT West and Central Africa, Yarub Al-Bahrani, said the company’s recent environmental initiatives demonstrate this commitment.
He highlighted key example, which is the installation of a solar power plant at BAT Nigeria’s Ibadan factory, which produces 3,800 kWh daily and 1,350,000 kWh yearly, contributing to a significant reduction of approximately 600 tons of carbon emissions each year.
Moreover, Al-Bahrani said the factory has maintained a record of zero waste sent to landfill since 2020, underscoring BAT Nigeria’s focus on minimizing its environmental footprint.
“Sustainability is not just a tagline for us; it is front and center of everything we do at BAT. We believe that through collaboration and shared knowledge, we can create impactful solutions that address the pressing challenges of our time, paving the way for a more equitable and environmentally responsible future for Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” he stated.
He said the Pan Africa Private Sector ESG Forum, with BAT Nigeria as a key partner, brings together leaders from the private and public sectors to foster dialogue on sustainable practices, especially on climate change.
According to him, the forum aims to build bridges between industry experts, policymakers, and sustainability advocates, driving practical solutions to shared challenges.
As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, BAT recently hosted an ESG Summit in South Africa, convening suppliers and partners from across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Al-Bahrani said the summit focused on sharing best practices in sustainability and promoting the integration of ESG principles throughout the value chain.
“This collaborative effort is essential as we strive towards a future characterized by corporate responsibility and sustainable development,” he emphasised.
“Beyond its environmental focus, BAT Nigeria is also making strides in social responsibility through initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion. The company has set a target of 40 per cent female representation in senior leadership by 2025, a goal it has already surpassed, achieving 43% as of the third quarter of 2024,” he stated.
Al-Bahrani highlighted tyatvBAT Nigeria’s leadership in sustainability and active role in the ESG Forum align closely with the principles of SDG 17, which emphasises the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.
He said through its efforts, the company is setting a benchmark for responsible business practices in Nigeria and across Africa, advocating for a future that balances profitability with social and environmental responsibility.
