By Merit Ibe
The British American Tobacco Nigeria’s (BATN) factory in Ibadan has commissioned a 1.4MW grid-tied solar panel system, which is part of the achievements in self-subsistent power generation that has kept the company going.
The solar was unveiled during the 20 years celebration of the Ibadan factory established in 2003.
In his address, the Managing Director of BAT Nigeria Yarub Al-Bahrani, said as part of the company’s anniversary celebrations, “we are proud to showcase our commitment to sustainability through the commissioning of our 14MW Solar Plant. This initiative reflects our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint and transitioning to clean energy solutions. This initiative also underscores our dedication to responsible business practices and our vision of creating “A Better Tomorrow” for generations to come.”
Al-Bahrani promised that the company would continue to sustain its legacy of success and economic growth in Oyo State and Nigeria.
Speaking on the factory’s milestone before it was unveiled, BAT’s director of external affairs for West and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, asserted that BAT Nigeria has remained steadfast in its commitment to driving ‘A Better Tomorrow,’ (the company’s corporate slogan) while prioritising safety, sustainability and responsible business practices.
Unarguably impressed by the company’s effort in generating its own power, Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, commended the leadership of the company for its immense contributions to Oyo State over the years, promising to sustain the conducive environment in which BAT Nigeria and other companies are operating in the state.
He noted that the state would look forward to working with BAT Nigeria to improve electricity supply in the state.
“You are going to be commissioning a 1.4 megawatts solar plant. This is pretty much in line with our aspiration in Oyo State.
“For us, energy sufficiency is a big part of this administration. When I came in, there was no Energy Ministry but we now have and the Commissioner for the Ministry is here.
“Less than 3km from here, you have the City Gate for the gas coming into Ibadan. So, we should be able to work together to utilise Nigerian gas in this environment.”
Governor Makinde, who maintained that the state will also within the next few weeks, commission its 11 Megawatts Power Plant, with 10 Megawatts gas-driven while 1 Megawatt is solar-powered, said he would soon sign the Bill establishing the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
He added that states can perform optimally if the constitution of the country is amended in some aspects, stating that dependence on Abuja will reduce drastically.
“One thing I want to say is that we have also been working on the legal end of things. You know the constitution has just been amended. The House of Assembly has just passed the bill and I will be signing the bill into law before the end of this week. The Bill has created the Electricity Regulatory Commission in Oyo State.”
The governor hailed BAT for attaining a historic milestone in Nigeria, noting that the company has contributed in various ways to the development of the state.
Speaking earlier, the chairman, BAT Nigeria, Chief Kola Karim, said the company had played a pivotal role in the economic growth and prosperity of the country.
He said: “It is a privilege and honor to stand as the chairman of BAT and to welcome you to a celebration of over a hundred years of doing business in Nigeria.
“On this remarkable journey, we have taken over the past two decades since our world-class factory began operation here in Ibadan.
“Standing as a testament to our dedication to excellence and innovation, the state-of-the-art facility has not only served as a beacon of progress but has also played a pivotal role in economic growth and prosperity.”
On the governor’s entourage were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; commissioners and other government functionaries.
Other dignitaries at the unveiling of the solar panel system were the Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a two-time minister of industry, Mrs. Onikepo Akande, former Chairman of the Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu and president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye among other dignitaries and players.