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British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has announced that it is championing collective action to promote sustainable water stewardship as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing water challenges.
The company disclosed this in a statement following a multi-stakeholder workshop it hosted at its Ibadan factory. The event brought together government officials, industry players, and community stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for improving water access and long-term sustainability.
Hasnain Ishtiaq, Operations Director for BAT West and Central Africa, described the workshop as an example of the company’s commitment to collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.
“This workshop is a testament to our firm belief that we can only make a real difference and build a sustainable future by working together, sharing ideas, and committing to collective action,” he said.
BAT’s water stewardship efforts
During his presentation, Dr. Adesuyi Adeola, Sustainability Operations Manager at BAT West and Central Africa, highlighted the company’s progress in aligning its water management practices with the globally recognised Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard.
He explained that BAT had invested in a wastewater treatment plant with a 50 cubic metre storage capacity, which recycled more than 14,000 cubic metres of water in 2024 alone. According to him, BATN has also reduced its water withdrawals while increasing recycling efforts to ensure its operations remain sustainable and environmentally responsible.
Adeola added that the company would continue to prioritise transparency and evidence-based reporting in its water management activities, reinforcing its long-term sustainability goals.
Government’s role
The Director of Water Resources at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Bode Olugbemiga, assured participants that the government is committed to rehabilitating public water infrastructure across the country.
She said the ministry’s involvement in the workshop was a demonstration of its readiness to work closely with private sector organisations like BAT to improve water access and management.
“Collaboration with stakeholders is critical to closing infrastructure gaps and ensuring that communities have access to clean and safe water,” Olugbemiga said.
Stakeholder engagement
The workshop, themed “Collaborating for Sustainable Water Stewardship”, featured open dialogue sessions where participants expressed concerns about poor water infrastructure and the need for stronger policies to guarantee equitable access to water resources.
Industry representatives at the meeting included officials of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and staff from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Discussions also touched on how businesses can integrate water stewardship into their operations while supporting government initiatives aimed at expanding clean water availability for communities.
Call to action
At the close of the workshop, participants collectively agreed on the need for stronger partnerships across public and private sectors. They also emphasised the importance of mobilising communities to adopt water stewardship practices.
The session ended with a joint call for all stakeholders to act as “ambassadors of water stewardship” by raising awareness, investing in infrastructure, and sharing knowledge to ensure that clean and accessible water is secured for present and future generations.
Broader context
Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in water availability, access, and management. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and climate change have worsened pressure on existing water resources, while poor infrastructure has left millions without reliable access to clean water.
Experts argue that while government intervention is crucial, sustainable water management cannot be achieved without private sector involvement and community participation. Initiatives like BAT’s, according to observers, show how industry players can play an active role in addressing pressing social and environmental issues.
For BAT, the focus on water stewardship aligns with its broader sustainability agenda, which includes responsible resource use, reducing environmental impact, and fostering stronger community engagement.
As stakeholders rally behind the call for collective action, the expectation is that partnerships like this will begin to close long-standing gaps in water access and set the foundation for a more sustainable water future in Nigeria.
