Tag: BAT Nigeria

BAT Nigeria has called on policymakers to urgently implement bold, supportive reforms to unlock Nigeria’s manufacturing export potential and position the country competitively in a fast-changing global trade environment.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) High-Level Think Tank Session in Ibadan, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director for BAT West and Central Africa, represented by Ruth Owojaiye, Head of Regulatory Engagements, BAT WCA, emphasised that Nigeria risks being left behind, unless its policies evolve to keep pace with global trade shifts and actively drive industrial growth.

“Trade is changing fast, from increased digitalisation to disruptions in supply chains and the introduction of stricter climate regulations. Developing economies like ours cannot afford to lag behind. We need agile policies that stimulate growth, reduce systemic bottlenecks, and unlock manufacturing competitiveness,” she said.

Odiri highlighted BAT Nigeria’s journey as proof of what strategic investments combined with an enabling environment can achieve.

In 2003, BAT Nigeria invested over $185 million to establish its state-of-the-art Ibadan factory, designed as a regional manufacturing hub for West and Central Africa.

Today, the factory exports to 13 countries, including the United States, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange earnings while creating thousands of jobs across logistics, warehousing, packaging, and port operations.

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Despite these milestones, she acknowledged that while the government is making commendable strides, particularly in infrastructure development and regulatory reforms, manufacturers still face hurdles such as high energy costs, port congestion, and the high cost of doing business.  Tackling them remains critical to unlocking Nigeria’s full production potential and boosting export diversification.

“Targeted policy reforms are essential to address these systemic barriers. Streamlining export processes through digitalisation, investing in energy and transport infrastructure, reforming trade finance for SMEs, and promoting industrial clusters are critical steps forward,” Odiri explained.

She also urged policymakers to adopt green and digital standards to keep Nigeria competitive globally and to ensure policies remain coherent, agile, and inclusive by monitoring global trade policy shifts continuously.

Odiri concluded with a strong call to action: “A supportive policy environment is not a one-off achievement. It must evolve with the global landscape. Now is the time for Nigeria to act decisively to secure its place in future manufacturing export value chains.”

The MAN Think Tank Session convened top experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to craft a strategic advocacy roadmap that will improve Nigeria’s manufacturing performance and unlock its vast industrial potential. BAT Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that strengthen the manufacturing sector, drive non-oil export growth, and build a more prosperous future for all Nigerians.

BAT Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth while advocating critical export policy reforms to unlock Nigeria’s manufacturing competitiveness.

This was the key message delivered by Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT West and Central Africa, during his participation at the 2025 edition of the BusinessDay CEO Forum held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

Themed “Nigeria: From Reform to Recovery,” the forum brought together the Nation’s foremost business leaders, senior policymakers, global experts, and entrepreneurs to dissect the practical impacts of Nigeria’s ongoing policy recalibration.

Participating in the panel discussion on “Driving Recovery Across Key Sectors,” Al-Bahrani emphasised that Nigeria’s bold reforms – including foreign exchange unification, subsidy removal, and evolving industrial policies – have created both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers.

“At BAT Nigeria, our approach is clear: adapt fast, invest deeper, and build sustainably. True recovery is not just about surviving volatility, but driving meaningful growth anchored in innovation, sustainability, and local empowerment,” he said.

While commending policy reforms that have improved transparency and market efficiency, Al-Bahrani called for urgent reforms to the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) scheme to stimulate Nigeria’s export competitiveness and liquidity.

“We urge government to overhaul the EEG scheme by replacing promissory notes, which are proving administratively cumbersome, with export credit certificates backed by annual budget allocations. This would provide practical support to exporters,” he noted.

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He revealed that despite rising operational costs due to exchange rate unification, BAT Nigeria remains a net contributor to Nigeria’s economy with over $300 million in cumulative export sales between 2022 and 2024.

The company’s Ibadan factory, he said, serves as a regional manufacturing hub, exporting to 13 countries including the United States while supporting Nigeria’s external reserves.

Highlighting BAT Nigeria’s sustainability leadership, Al-Bahrani underscored the company’s “A Better Tomorrow” strategy anchored on five impact areas: Tobacco Harm Reduction, Climate, Nature, Circularity, and Communities.

“Our business is now focused on accelerating Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) globally, with the ambition to generate at least 50% of our revenue from smokeless products by 2035 products that have been scientifically shown to present reduced risks compared to traditional smoking.We remain on track to achieve 100% renewable electricity across our Nigerian operations by 2030, driven by a 1.4MW solar system and a fully Compressed Natural Gas powered energy source at the factory,” he stated.

He added that BAT Nigeria is a strong supporter of the private sector sustainability movement in Nigeria, partnering with public and private actors to drive initiatives such as Lagos State’s N14.8 billion Green Bond, waste-to-wealth programmes, and the clean cookstove initiative.

Addressing the impact of tax and excise policies on industrial resilience, Al-Bahrani called for a consultative, data-driven approach to excise planning. “Sharp or unpredictable hikes can undermine formal businesses, dampen investment appetite, and fuel illicit trade. Policies should be rooted in Nigeria’s unique economic realities, not imported models from markets facing different macroeconomic conditions,” he advised.

He welcomed recent tax reforms, including the new consolidated tax framework and lower Corporate Income Tax rates expected to reach 25 percent by 2026, which he said will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness if well implemented.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Bahrani positioned BAT Nigeria as a case study in industrial resilience, turning policy reforms into growth opportunities through adaptability, innovation, and sustainability.

“With government support and a stable policy environment, Nigeria’s private sector can accelerate the nation’s transition from recovery to global relevance. At BAT Nigeria, we remain deeply committed to partnering with Nigeria to build a sustainable and prosperous future,” he affirmed.

The BusinessDay CEO Forum 2025 featured leading figures including Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group; Wale Edun, Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Tola Adeyemi, CEO KPMG West Africa; Affiong Williams, Founder/CEO ReelFruits; and Tony Attah, CEO Renaissance Energy, among others.

BAT Nigeria’s Ibadan Factory has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, winning the coveted Best-Kept Industrial Premises Award in the Multinationals Category. 

The prestigious accolade, presented by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Oyo State Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources, and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), underscores BAT’s leadership in environmental stewardship and workplace safety.

The external Affairs Director, BAT West and Central Africa, FCIS, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, explained the award is a confirmation of the company’s tireless efforts and commitment to sustainability, excellence in environmental practices, and a safe working environment. 

She said it highlights the Factory’s dedication to fostering a culture that prioritises environmental responsibility and workplace safety, setting a high standard for the industry.

Erewa-Meggison attributed the success to the collaborative efforts of the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) and Facility teams at the Ibadan Factory. Their relentless pursuit of sustainability and operational excellence was instrumental in securing this recognition.

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“This Award reflects the values we hold dear at BAT – a commitment to fostering a sustainable and safe working environment. Every team member has played a vital role in this achievement, and this recognition validates the hard work and dedication that goes into our daily practices and environmental initiatives,” she said.

The Award recognises the Ibadan Factory’s innovative and consistent implementation of daily practices, environmental initiatives, and safety standards that contribute to a sustainable workplace. It also acknowledges the support and strategic guidance of the Operational Leadership Team (OPSLT), who encouraged participation in this competition and showcased BAT’s sustainability journey.

“This accomplishment inspires us to continue raising the bar. It demonstrates our belief in collective progress and our commitment to making a meaningful impact on the environment. As a multinational company, BAT remains resolute in setting a high standard for sustainable practices, inspiring industry peers, and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future,” Erewa-Meggison

Operations Director, BAT WCA, Hasnain Ishtiaq, said: “At BAT, we believe operational excellence goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. This recognition reflects the tireless efforts of our teams to integrate sustainability into our day-to-day operations, setting benchmarks for the industry. We are committed to driving positive change and building a legacy of environmental stewardship.

BAT Nigeria’s recognition as the Best-Kept Industrial Premises reinforces its role as a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility, showcasing its unwavering commitment to the communities it serves and the global pursuit of environmental excellence.