BATN Celebrates 20 Years of Ibadan Factory, Unveils 1.4mwp Grid-tied Solar Panel System

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE/IBADAN      

To showcase its commitment to sustainability and reflect dedication to reducing environmental footprint and transition to clean energy solutions, the British American Tobacco, BAT (Nigeria) Limited, Tuesday unveiled a 1.4MWP grid-tied solar panel system in its Ibadan factory.

The solar plant unveiling was a part of the activities marking the multinational’s 20 years of production excellence in Nigeria and two decades of its Ibadan factory’s exceptional value delivery to the Nigerian economy, the environment, and the communities it serves.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Yarub Al-Bahrani, the managing director of BAT Nigeria and Cluster Manager West and Central Africa, said the commissioning of the Solar Plant underscores BAT Nigeria’s dedication to responsible practices.

“As part of our anniversary celebrations, we are proud to showcase our commitment to sustainability through the commissioning of the 14MW Solar Plant. 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,” Al-Bahrani stated.

He continued; “It is consistently upholding the highest standards in safety and environmental sustainability. 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 reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts have resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation.

BAT Nigeria boss added the Ibadan factory, which was established in 2003 with investments worth over $185 million, has been a cornerstone of BAT Nigeria’s operations in West and Central Africa, thereby enabling exports to 11 countries in the West and Central Africa region and recently exporting to the United States of America.

In his opening remark, Chief Kola Karim, Chairman, BAT Nigeria Advisory Board, welcomed guests to the celebration of the Company’s over 100 years of doing business in Nigeria and the remarkable journey undertaken over the past two decades since the world-class factory began its operations in Ibadan.

“Our State-of-the-art facility has not only served as a beacon of progress but has also played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and prosperity,” Karim, who is the Agbaoye of Ibadanland, said.

The notable business mogul added; “We are here celebrating a success story linked to tangible achievements 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, through thick and thin with Nigeria.”

In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor Seyi Makinde commended the leadership of the company for its immense contributions to Oyo State over the years, promising to sustain the conducive environment in which BAT Nigeria and other companies are operating in the state.

“BAT has been a part of Oyo State for decades; contributing to the State’s economy and providing jobs for our citizens. And they were one of the companies which donated generously during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,” Makinde stated.

The governor added that his administration will partner with the BAT Nigeria in areas of power generation, noting that the state will be the first in the country to achieve energy efficiency as he has embarked on several projects including the installation of solar-hybrid mini-grids in rural communities; the 11MW gas and solar powered independent power project (IPP); and the Oyo State Government and Shell Nigeria Gas Limited Pressure Reduction & Metering Station (PRMS) to supply gas to industrial, manufacturing and commercial companies.

Makinde revealed that a bill setting up the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission has been passed by the House of Assembly and he will be signing it into law very soon.

BAT’s history of commitment to Nigeria started in 1912 when it registered its first presence. In 2000, BAT acquired 100 per cent stake in the Nigeria Tobacco Company Plc and in 2001, the Company signed an MOU with the Federal Government of Nigeria for local investment while in 2003, it commissioned the $185 million Ibadan factory.

BAT Nigeria Ibadan factory’s 20th anniversary celebration had scores of dignitaries and several Captains of industry in attendance including Oyo State Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a two-time minister of industry, Mrs. Onikepo Akande, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, Chief Kola Jamodu, Mr. Segun Awolowo and former Oyo First Lady, Chief Mutiat Ladoja.