BAT Nigeria Partners With Pan Africa ESG Forum To Strengthen Sustainability Drive

Lagos, Nigeria – BAT Nigeria, a leading tobacco company in the country, is doubling down on its commitment to sustainability by partnering with the 2024 Pan Africa Private Sector ESG Forum.

This partnership underscores BAT’s dedication to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across its operations and within the wider Nigerian business landscape.

The partnership comes at a critical juncture as Africa experiences rapid industrialization and economic growth, making ESG conversations increasingly relevant.

Recognizing its role in contributing to a sustainable future, BAT Nigeria has implemented a robust sustainability agenda, prioritizing environmental stewardship, social equity, and good governance.

BAT Nigeria has set ambitious environmental goals, aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company has already made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint.

A solar power plant installed at its Ibadan factory generates 3,800kwh daily, contributing to a 600-ton annual reduction in carbon emissions.  The factory has also maintained a zero-waste-to-landfill record since 2020.

The Pan Africa Private Sector ESG Forum serves as a platform for private and public sector leaders to discuss and advance ESG practices.

BAT Nigeria’s participation in the Forum allows for collaboration with industry experts, policymakers, and sustainability advocates, driving impactful solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

BAT Nigeria’s sustainability efforts extend beyond environmental responsibility.

The company is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, implementing comprehensive policies and programs that promote gender equality and opportunities for underrepresented groups.

BAT Nigeria has set a goal to achieve 40% female representation in senior leadership positions by 2025 and has already surpassed this target with 43% of senior leadership positions currently held by women.

Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director of BAT West and Central Africa, emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability: “Sustainability is not just a tagline for us, it is front and centre 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.”

BAT Nigeria’s leadership in sustainability and partnership with the Pan Africa Private Sector ESG Forum exemplify the principles of sustainable development.

Through concrete actions and collaborative efforts, BAT Nigeria is setting an example for organizations across Africa, driving towards a more sustainable future for the continent.