British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has taken a proactive stance in addressing Nigeria’s pressing water challenges by championing collaborative efforts for sustainable water stewardship. Recognising the critical need for collective action, BATN recently convened a multi-stakeholder workshop at its Ibadan factory, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, and community representatives to deliberate on strategies for improving water access and sustainability. This initiative underscores BATN’s commitment to fostering partnerships and driving positive change in water resource management.
The workshop, themed “Collaborating for Sustainable Water Stewardship,” provided a platform for open dialogue and knowledge sharing among key stakeholders. Participants engaged in robust discussions on the current state of water resources in Nigeria, identifying key challenges such as infrastructure gaps, inadequate access to clean water in communities, and the need for enhanced water management practices. The collaborative nature of the workshop fostered a sense of shared responsibility and paved the way for the development of actionable solutions.
BATN’s commitment to sustainable water management is not merely rhetorical but is deeply embedded in its operational practices. Hasnain Ishtiaq, Operations Director for BAT West and Central Africa, emphasized the company’s belief in the power of collaboration, stating that real and sustainable progress can only be achieved by working together, sharing ideas, and committing to collective action. This conviction is reflected in BATN’s alignment with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard, a globally recognized framework for responsible water resource management.
Dr. Adesuyi Adeola, Sustainability Operations Manager for BAT West and Central Africa, highlighted the significant strides BATN has made in implementing the AWS Standard. The company’s advanced wastewater treatment plant, with a 50 m³ storage capacity, has enabled the recycling of over 14,000 m³ of water in 2024. This achievement demonstrates BATN’s dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint and maximizing water resource efficiency. Moreover, the company has actively reduced its water withdrawals while simultaneously increasing its recycling efforts, showcasing a comprehensive approach to water stewardship.
BATN’s commitment to transparency and data-driven reporting further strengthens its credibility in the realm of sustainable water management. By openly sharing its progress and performance data, the company fosters accountability and encourages other organizations to adopt similar practices. This commitment to transparency aligns with the growing global demand for corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability.
The Nigerian government has expressed strong support for BATN’s initiative and affirmed its commitment to improving public water infrastructure. Bode Olugbemiga, Director of Water Resources at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, emphasized the government’s willingness to collaborate with the private sector in addressing water challenges. The Ministry’s active participation in the workshop signifies a recognition of the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable water resource management.
The workshop brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and officials from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. This diverse representation ensured a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to addressing the complex challenges related to water access and sustainability. The inclusive nature of the workshop facilitated a richer exchange of perspectives and fostered a shared understanding of the issues at hand.
The workshop concluded with a resounding call to action, urging all participants to become ambassadors of water stewardship. This call underscores the importance of individual and collective responsibility in ensuring clean and accessible water for all communities. By empowering stakeholders to act as advocates for sustainable water management, BATN is fostering a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond its own operations.
BATN’s commitment to sustainable water stewardship is not only commendable but also essential in a country facing significant water challenges. By leading the charge for collaborative action, the company is setting a positive example for other organizations and contributing to the long-term well-being of communities across Nigeria. The multi-stakeholder workshop serves as a powerful testament to the potential of collaborative partnerships in addressing complex environmental issues.
The company’s proactive approach to water management, coupled with its commitment to transparency and data-driven reporting, positions it as a leader in corporate sustainability. BATN’s efforts are particularly significant in the context of Nigeria’s growing water crisis, which demands innovative and collaborative solutions. By investing in advanced wastewater treatment technologies and aligning its operations with the AWS Standard, BATN is demonstrating its dedication to responsible water resource management.
The Nigerian government’s active involvement in the workshop highlights the growing recognition of the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing water challenges. By working together, the public and private sectors can leverage their respective strengths and resources to achieve greater impact. The workshop’s focus on community engagement further underscores the importance of inclusive approaches to water management, ensuring that the needs of all stakeholders are considered.
BATN’s call for all participants to become ambassadors of water stewardship is a powerful message that emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in addressing this critical issue. By empowering individuals to act as agents of change, BATN is creating a ripple effect of positive impact that extends beyond its own operations. This commitment to fostering a culture of water stewardship is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources in Nigeria.
The workshop’s focus on collaboration, transparency, and community engagement provides a valuable model for other organizations seeking to address water challenges. By sharing its best practices and lessons learned, BATN is contributing to a broader movement towards sustainable water management. The company’s leadership in this area sets a high bar for other corporations and inspires greater action towards achieving water security for all.
The success of the workshop underscores the potential of multi-stakeholder partnerships in driving positive change. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, BATN has created a platform for innovative solutions and collective action. The workshop’s outcomes provide a roadmap for future collaborations and offer valuable insights for other organizations seeking to address water challenges in their own communities.
