Climate Change: MAN, BAT, NBC Others Convene ESG Forum for Responsible Manufacturing

Dike  Onwuamaeze

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BAT) and other likeminded private sector operators are convening the Private Sector Environment Social and Governance Forum (PSESG) that would promote sustainable and responsible business practices within the Nigerian manufacturing sector.

The forum would seek to facilitate an open dialogue among industry stakeholders to assess the extent to which the private sector is embracing sustainable practices and implementing actions to safeguard the environment and support the communities in which they operate.

Other members of the PSESG include Nigeria Climate Innovative Centre, Nigeria Bottling Company, Blue Echo Foundation, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling One Foundation and Enactus.

The forum’s vision is hinged on the belief that the actions of the private sector, particularly the manufacturing industries, significantly influence the trajectory towards a zero-carbon future and equitable growth.

Its key objectives, according to its promoters, include highlighting the importance of ESG principles in shaping sustainable manufacturing practices; encouraging the manufacturing industry to adopt responsible and climate resilient business approaches; showcasing best practices and successful case studies of organisations integrating sustainability into their core operations and fostering a collective commitment to drive positive change both environmentally and socially.

Commenting on the convening of the ESG Forum, the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said that he is excited to “witness this historic milestone as the private unites to drive corporate responsibility and accountability for sustainable growth and development.”

He said that “sustainability and corporate accountability are no longer buzzwords. They are the cornerstone of our shared future.

“Through collaboration, innovation and responsibility, we can shape an inclusive and resilient path towards a carbon-neutral economy and every individual and organisation plays a vital part in this journey.”  

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director of BAT Nigeria, Mr. Yarub Al-Bahrani, said that “this forum is quite timely and relevant as it presents a pivotal opportunity for the private sector in Africa to not only address pressing ESG challenges but also champion sustainable practices that will lead to lasting outcomes across the continent.

“Convening the private sector ESG Forum is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

“The forum is also an extension of our bold ambition to build a better tomorrow for all our stakeholders, including the environment and communities we operate in.”

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Mr. Bankole Oloruntoba, emphasized that ESG is the bedrock of sustainability financing.

Oloruntoba said that “with the right ESG framework and knowledge, organisations can achieve sustainable impact that will open more opportunities to tap into impact investment in Africa.

“This will not only benefit the organisations but also contribute to a broader economic and social development of Africa, fostering a more resilient and prosperous future for all.”

The forum, on November 8, will bring thought leaders, industry experts and stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on sustainability challenges and opportunities under the theme: “Is the Private Sector Accountable: A Case for Sustainable Practices.”