British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, a pioneering force in sustainable agricultural development and rural empowerment in Nigeria, has been decorated with the Longstanding Investment Recognition and Making a Positive Impact Award by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), in honour of organisations that have demonstrated enduring and impactful commitment to Nigeria’s development.
The prestigious award celebrates the Foundation’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, particularly in rural communities.
This recognition underscores over 20 years of impactful service, during which the Foundation has invested more than ₦4 billion towards fostering inclusive growth through sustainable agriculture and making a positive impact to empowering rural communities across Nigeria. In community development initiatives, the Foundation has made measurable and lasting contributions to economic growth, food security, youth empowerment, and improved livelihoods – especially among smallholder farmers, women, and young people.
One of the Foundation’s standout accomplishments is the empowerment of over 300,000 smallholder farmers through comprehensive capacity-building programmes, access to quality inputs, and training in good agronomic practices. These efforts have led to increased yields, improved produce quality, and sustainable income growth, fostering economic resilience in rural Nigeria.
The BATN Foundation’s reach spans all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, with over 300 impactful community projects implemented across critical sectors. From agriculture to enterprise development and water sanitation, the Foundation has touched the lives of more than 1.7 million Nigerians.
Its investment in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure is another testament to its holistic approach to development. Through the deployment of 105 solar-powered borehole facilities, each with a 20,000-litre capacity, thousands of rural households now have access to safe and clean water, significantly reducing the prevalence of water-borne diseases.
Receiving this award reflects the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities while aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on ending poverty, ensuring clean water, and promoting decent work and economic growth.
Speaking on the award, Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the Foundation, said: “We are deeply honoured by this recognition from the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce. It reaffirms our belief that meaningful investments in rural communities not only uplift lives but also reflects our commitment to empowering rural communities and improving lives through sustainable development. We are proud of how far we’ve come, and even more motivated to continue our journey of impact.”
The Foundation thanks its partners, stakeholders, and local communities for their continued collaboration and support in driving inclusive and lasting change across Nigeria.
The Foundation stated: “At BATN Foundation, we believe in the power of partnerships to scale impact. We are committed to building on this legacy by partnering with industry stakeholders, government, private sector, and community to transform lives.
“The BATN Foundation continues to champion collaborative development by partnering with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to scale its impact and ensure inclusive growth across Nigeria’s rural landscape.”
Established over two decades ago, BATN Foundation says that it is dedicated to empowering rural Nigeria through innovative agricultural programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, and sustainable development interventions.
“With a focus on impact, foster sustainable agricultural practices, and innovation, the Foundation continues to lead efforts that transform communities and improve lives across the country,” it added.
By Ajibola Adedoye