In the pursuit of accountability and sustainable business practices, British American Tobacco (BAT) takes a pioneering step by initiating the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum.
The Managing Director for BAT West and Central Africa, Yarub Al-Bahrani, revealed this groundbreaking move during the inaugural Private Sector ESG Forum, a collaborative effort with key industry players such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), Nigerian Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), Stanbic IBTC, Enactus Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, International Breweries, Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG), and Blue Echo Foundation.
Al-Bahrani envisions the forum as a pivotal platform, connecting industry leaders, bridging knowledge gaps, and advocating for the widespread adoption of sustainable business practices.
Emphasizing the private sector’s significant influence in shaping economies and societies, he underscores the importance of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
In a compelling keynote address, KPMG Partner and Africa ESG Lead, Pieter Scholtz, stresses the imperative for organizations to integrate financial reporting and ESG strategies.
Highlighting the exponential growth of sustainability-linked products and the cost-reducing impact of net-zero emissions, Scholtz urges the private sector to take the lead in embracing ESG for enhanced productivity.
BAT’s Director of External Affairs, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, announces a transformative commitment as the Private Sector resolves to establish a Working Group.
This initiative aims to ensure that manufacturing companies in Nigeria adopt sustainable practices, safeguard the environment, and support their operating communities.
The Working Group is set to be inaugurated in the first quarter of 2024.
The forum features three insightful panel discussions led by renowned experts in the ESG field.
Topics include reducing carbon emissions and building a resilient climate future, harnessing collaborative growth opportunities, and ensuring accurate and transparent ESG performance through reporting and transparency.
Panelists, including Bankole Oloruntoba, Dr. Chidozie Uriel Ezike, Tomi Adepoju, Ruka Sanusi, Pamela Nkuna, and Bolaji Okusaga, share experiences, best practices, and visions for a sustainable future.
