Demonstrating commendable water stewardship, BAT Nigeria has placed an emphasis on maximum recycling and zero leakage with the operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant with a 30,000 m3 storage capacity which enables recycling and reusing of all effluent wastewater.
Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT West & Central Africa, who made this known in a statement made available to EnviroNews on June 11, 2024, further stated that, in 2023, the company recycled up to 17,388 m3 of water.
According to him, the facility is an on-site Potable Water Treatment Facility which guarantees the provision of clean, potable water for its operations which further solidified its commitment to water stewardship.
He opined: “BAT Nigeria incorporates water sensor taps in washrooms to minimise unnecessary water usage. The treated wastewater is not just recycled but also reused for sanitation and irrigation purposes, demonstrating a commitment to a circular water economy.
“This dedication to water conservation is further validated by its certification under the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), a globally recognised benchmark for responsible water management. Water stewardship efforts align with the National Water Resources Policy established by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in 2016.
“This policy encourages private sector participation in developing sustainable and equitable water management solutions to meet growing demands. By aligning with these objectives, the company contributes to ensuring sufficient water availability for current and future users while prioritising water quality conservation and environmental protection.
“BAT Nigeria is committed to environmental sustainability, and we are proud of our achievements in water stewardship. Our wastewater treatment plant and use of sensor taps are just some of the ways we are minimising our water usage and impact on the environment. We believe that businesses can be profitable and sustainable, and we are committed to setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in our industry.
“British American Tobacco Nigeria’s sustainability journey is a testament to its unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance. By championing decarbonisation, energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste management best practices, BAT Nigeria is not only setting the standard for sustainability within its industry but also inspiring positive change on a global scale.
“As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, BAT Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can indeed coexist harmoniously,” he stressed.
With a commitment to the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), BAT Nigeria sustainability agenda is built upon four key pillars: reducing the health impacts of the business, excellence in environmental management, delivering positive social impacts and maintaining robust corporate governance.
By Ajibola Adedoye
