Yarub Al-Bahrani, managing director/CEO of the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) says the company plays a significant role in driving economic development and social progress across Nigeria.
In a statement, he said the BAT factory in Ibadan, established in 2003, had been a cornerstone of BAT Nigeria’s operations in West and Central Africa, enabling exports to 11 countries in the West and Central Africa region and recently exporting to the United States of America, while consistently upholding the highest standards in safety and environmental sustainability.
Al-Bahrani said: “Leading the way is BATN’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ibadan, a $185 million testament to their long-term belief in Nigeria’s potential.
“With pride, we have witnessed made-in-Nigeria products from our factory being exported from our factory to countries across West and Central Africa, showcasing the quality and ingenuity of Nigerian manufacturing on the global stage.
“This has not only boosted Nigeria’s trade presence but has also earned us recognition as a top 10 national exporter by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
“In recognition of our outstanding contributions to the growth of the non-oil export sector, the NEPC recognized BAT as the ‘Best Exporter to African Markets for the 2022”.
However, Chief Kola Karim, The Agbaoye of Ibadanland and Chairman, BAT Nigeria Advisory Board, emphasized the need for continued support and partnership from the government.
He sees BATN’s success as deeply rooted in their commitment to Nigeria, even “through thick and thin.”
