Victor Ezeja
British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited (BAT Nigeria) is celebrating two decades of its Ibadan factory’s value delivery to the Nigerian economy, the environment, and the communities it serves.
Established in 2003, the Ibadan factory has been a cornerstone of BAT Nigeria’s operations in West and Central Africa, enabling exports to 11 countries in the West and Central Africa region and recently exporting to the United States of America, while consistently upholding the highest standards in safety and environmental sustainability.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Two decades ago, we embarked on a journey to establish a world-class manufacturing facility in Nigeria, and today, we are proud to celebrate the Ibadan factory as a shining example of our commitment to excellence and sustainability in Nigeria,” said Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director at BAT Nigeria and West and Central Africa.
“The Factory has played a pivotal role in our success, contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy, creating employment opportunities across the value chain, and promoting environmental stewardship,” he added.
Beyond its commercial success, the BAT factory in Ibadan has also been a champion of environmental sustainability. The Factory has implemented a comprehensive environmental management system, incorporating stringent measures to reducing its carbon footprint. These efforts have resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation.
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The Factory has gained recognition for its commitment to environmental sustainability, highlighted by its recent setup of a 1.4MWP grid-tied solar panel system that was unveiled on 6th of February 2024. In addition, its active advocacy for water stewardship has led to the attainment of various certifications, including the prestigious ‘Alliance for Water Stewardship’ (AWS) core certification.
In addition to its environmental initiatives, the Ibadan factory has also made significant contributions to the local community through the creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, from diverse backgrounds since its inception.
Speaking on the Factory’s milestone, Director, External Affairs, BAT, West, and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison asserted that the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to driving A Better Tomorrow, while prioritising safety, sustainability, and responsible business practices.
In her words: “The Ibadan factory is not just a manufacturing facility; it is an integral part of the Nigerian community and we are continuously committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around us.”
Speaking further, she stated that the anniversary celebration will serve as a tribute to the accomplishments and successes of the factory while expressing gratitude for the partnerships formed over the past 20 years with various stakeholders.
“This is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all employees, partners, and stakeholders who have played a vital role in shaping our growth and journey. we look forward to celebrating more milestones and positive contributions of the factory.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
