The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd. has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting and accelerating sustainable clean water preservation and stewardship across its plants.
The company said this in a statement on Wednesday, March 27, in Lagos, to commemorate the 2024 World Water Day celebrated yearly on March 22.
Mr Temitope Ogunrinde, the National Environment Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company, said the 2024 theme: “Water for Peace” aligned with the company’s mission 2025 aimed at achieving sustainable development in host communities.
Ogunrinde noted the importance of water conservation in fostering global stability and its pivotal role in fostering peace, prosperity, and conflict prevention.
He said as part of the company’s commitment towards water sustainability and stewardship, it had over the years and across all its plants instituted effluent treatment plants and water efficiency initiatives.
Some of which, he stated, included rigorous monitoring of our water usage and promptly repairing leaks.
“At NBC, we are committed to the cause of water sustainability and stewardship, and we recognise the indispensable role water plays in our lives.
“This is why we prioritise using water in environmentally sustainable ways, benefiting both the environment and the communities where we operate and by 2025, we aim to reduce water use in plants located in water risk areas by 20 per cent.
“However, we acknowledge that achieving water stewardship requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
“Through collective action with our stakeholders, we are working towards the implementation of sustainable practices that ensure the preservation of this vital resource for both present and future generations,” he said.
Confidence Ebo, Production Manager, NBC, noted that given the environmental challenges impacting water quality, the pursuit of the “Our World Without Waste” agenda had become even more imperative.
Ebo noted that this initiative could be achieved through the adoption of lightweight packaging, exploring alternative materials, and implementing recycling initiatives.
“Through these concerted efforts, we are working to not only mitigate the impact of plastics on water resources but to also foster a more sustainable future for generations to come,” she added.
Also, Mrs Caroline Aladekomo, the Deputy Director, Sanitation and Hygiene, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, lauded the company’s proactive steps taken in addressing water sustainability challenges.
Aladekomo highlighted the significance of collaborations between private entities and government agencies in achieving meaningful progress towards water sustainability and stewardship goals.
By Rukayat Moisemhe
