BATN Seeks Govt Continued Support, Restates Commitment To Excellence, Responsible Business Practices

Executive Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, Commissioning a 1.4MW Sola Plant at the BAT Nigeria factory in Ibadan, Oyo State to mark the Company’s 20th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 while other guests looked with excitement. (photo credit: naijanewshub).

The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has called on the government at all levels in Nigeria for continued partnership and collaboration for them to deliver their mandate of generating revenue, manufacturing for both local and exports as well as creating employment and ensuring the prosperity of Nigerians.

On the other hand, the Company has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsible business practices aim to build a legacy of success that will make a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians.

The appeal and pledge were made by the Chairman of the BATN Advisory Board, Mr. Kola Karim, and the Managing Director, BATN, Yarub Al-Barahni respectively while speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Company held at the Company’s ultra-modern factory in Ibadan, Oyo State On Tuesday.

“We are here celebrating a success story linked to the tangible achievement of BAT. This company is a true reflection of a multinational which has been a partner in progress with Nigeria since its inception. The testimonials of this company and its business resilience over the years show that indeed the company is deeply rooted.

“The current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his able team has an eight-point agenda to recovery which includes promoting foreign direct investment, job creation, and poverty eradication amongst others. BATN is clear proof that it is possible to run a successful business in Nigeria.

“We use this medium again to request the government’s continued support and partnership for companies like ours that are generating revenue, manufacturing for both local and exports, and creating employment, especially in the current economic climate. This way, the Government can deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people through continued collaboration, Kola Karim said.

Mr. Karim listed the achievements recorded by the Company to include the establishment of a world-class production facility; commitment to putting Nigeria on the global map through its export strategy; its environmental sustainability mandate; social impact and significant contributions to the Nigerian Economy and business transformation agenda that will deliver its future ambitions for a better tomorrow.

Speaking on the contributions of the Ibadan factory to the growth of the Nigerian Economy, the Managing Director of the Company Mr. Yarub Al-Bahrani said “In the past two decades the factory and its related operations have been a catalyst for socio-economic development, creating employment opportunities for over 350,000 individuals across the value chain and generating over N415 billion in taxes in the last six years.”

 “Our presence in Nigeria has not only contributed to economic growth but has also drawn into Nigeria additional foreign direct investment of over $30 million from our business partners, further spurring overall economic activity in the country and driving sustainable growth,” he added.

The 20th-anniversary celebration was used by the Company to commission a 1.4-megawatt Sola Plant as part of the Company’s commitment to environmental sustainability governance (ESG).

Speaking on this, the MD said “This initiative reflects our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint and transitioning to clean energy solutions. This initiative also underscores our dedication to responsible business practices and our vision of creating ‘A better tomorrow’ for generations to come.”

“We reaffirmed our commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsible business practices. Together, we will continue to build a legacy of success and make a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians,” Mr. Al-Bahrani added.

In his Goodwill Message, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, commended BATN for being part of the growth of Oyo State and Nigeria for many decades even as he pledged the readiness of the state to support and collaborate with the Company in ensuring a conducive environment for BATN to operate.

“For us in Oyo State, BATN contributed very much towards our COVID-19 efforts, and also monthly we collect about N32 million as taxes and this has been a consistent contribution to our internally generated revenue (IGR) and every December and January that figure normally goes up to N55 million.

“So when people are wondering how come Seyi is giving Christmas Bonus to Oyo State Workers, this has been the secret.

“Today we will be commissioning a 1.4-megawatt sola plant; this is very much in line with our aspiration in Oyo State because for us energy sufficiency is part of this administration. When I came, there was no Ministry of Energy, but now we have a Ministry of Energy, and the Commissioner for that ministry is here, so we should be able to work together to utilize Nigeria gas to the benefit of the people.

“For us also, in a few weeks, we should be commissioning our Power Plant as well. We have a lot in common and a lot to synergise.

“Let me, on behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, congratulate you BATN, stakeholders, shareholders, management, and staff, for 20 years of operational excellence, and for us as a government, let me also reiterate our commitment that we are committed to you, we will do everything possible under this administration, to sustain the conducive environment through which you are operating,” Mr. Makinde promised.

While commending BATN for its contribution to the nation’s growth, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Francis Meshioye said “BATN is making a lot of contribution to the nation’s economy. 20 years of production excellence of BATN in Nigeria represents a milestone not only in Nigeria as a country but in the modern manufacturing landscape of Nigeria.

“As a President of MAN, I am excited to witness this passion and ongoing investment from BATN in Nigeria, especially amidst the challenging economic condition that has led to the closure of several manufacturing industries including some multinational companies in Nigeria as of now.

“From what I have heard from various presentations, it shows that BATN has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability to outstanding waste management initiatives.

Also worthy of commendation is the Company’s commitment to sustainability and the prosperity of Nigerians through its Corporate Social Responsibility amounting to about N2 billion since 2003.

“The Company’s substantial investment in Nigeria of about $185 million; $30 million investment by a third party;  N415 billion taxes and levies from 2018 to 2023; $110 million annual foreign exchange from exports; 350,000 direct and indirect employment are significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy and are worthy of commendation.”

He pledged MAN’s commitment and readiness to collaborate with BATN to overcome challenges and maximize growth opportunities for a better future for all stakeholders.

High points of the event were the commissioning of a 1.4MW Sola Plant Installed by BATN and the tour of the factory by the guests.