In observance of World Water Day 2024, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting and accelerating sustainable clean water preservation and stewardship across its plants.
The company hosted a water sustainability forum with its partners and stakeholders recently, in response to the United Nations’ call for increased action to tackle the global water crisis. During the forum, discussions were centred around raising awareness of the importance of water conservation in fostering global stability and its pivotal role in fostering peace, prosperity, and conflict prevention. These efforts are also in accordance with this year’s theme – “Water for Peace,” and aligns with NBC’s Mission 2025 commitment aimed at achieving sustainable development in host communities.
The National Environment Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company, Temitope Ogunrinde, commented: “At NBC, we are committed to the cause of water sustainability and stewardship. We recognize the indispensable role water plays in our lives and this is why we prioritise using water in environmentally sustainable ways, benefiting both the environment and the communities where we operate.
Emphasising the company’s commitment towards initiatives that foster responsible water usage and highlight the importance of collaboration with stakeholders for preserving water as a shared resource,
he averred: “Over the years and across all our plants, we have instituted effluent treatment plants and water efficiency initiatives such as rigorous monitoring of our water usage and promptly repairing leaks. By 2025, we aim to reduce water use in plants located in water risk areas by 20 percent. However, we acknowledge that achieving water stewardship requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Through collective action with our stakeholders, we are working towards the implementation of sustainable practices that ensure the preservation of this vital resource for both present and future generations.”
The Production Manager, NBC, Confidence Ebo, remarked: “Given the environmental challenges impacting water quality, the pursuit of ‘Our World Without Waste’ agenda has become even more imperative, as we actively adopt lightweight packaging, exploring alternative materials, and implement recycling initiatives.
“Through these concerted efforts, we are working to not only mitigate the impact of plastics on water resources but to also foster a more sustainable future for generations to come,” she added.
The Deputy Director of Sanitation and Hygiene, at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mrs. Caroline Aladekomo, expressed appreciation for the proactive steps taken by the Nigerian Bottling Company in addressing water sustainability challenges.
She highlighted the significance of such collaborations between private entities and government agencies in achieving meaningful progress towards water sustainability and stewardship goals.
The statement also revealed that the event had high-level executives, dignitaries, and industry leaders from the private sector, government agencies, and departments in attendance.
The statement said: “Among the notable attendees were Assistant Director of the Sanitation and Hygiene department, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Folasade Adeyoju Olatunde; Head of Corporate Engagement, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Aramide Olaniyan; Director of Laboratory Services, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Olabisi Shonibare, amongst others.
“Over the last decade, NBC has made water stewardship one of the drivers of its sustainable manufacturing priorities. The company has made noteworthy progress in its efforts to minimise its water consumption, achieving an 18% reduction in its water use ratio. In 2019, the organisation refurbished the Kano State Water Board Laboratory in Panshekara, equipping it with cutting-edge water testing technology, along with installing two tube wells to provide clean water to more than 300,000 individuals residing in the Madobi area and Challawa community. In addition, NBC has donated 22.5 million litres of water back to its host communities, underscoring its commitment to sustainable water management practices.”
