World Safety Day: BAT Nigeria Affirms Commitment, Marks 4 Years of Zero-Loss Safety

Dike Onwuamaeze

As part of the global observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) has reaffirmed its prioritisation of Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S), by putting employee wellbeing at the heart of its business ethos.

BAT Nigeria said that this has enabled it to achieve a fourth consecutive year without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI) across all operations.

The company’s people-first culture ensured that every employee could confidently return home to their loved ones each day, a philosophy that has yielded tangible results.

Rooted in internationally recognised standards such as ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001, BAT Nigeria’s comprehensive safety systems leverage proactive risk assessments, innovative digital safety reporting tools, and rigorous audits.

The Operations Director for BAT West & Central Africa, Hasnain Ishtiaq, said: “Employee safety and operational excellence go hand in hand. Our zero-harm record reflects a strong, united culture driven by innovation, leadership, and shared responsibility.”

As industries worldwide grapple with evolving safety challenges, BAT Nigeria sets a formidable example, proving that a zero-harm workplace is not just aspirational — it’s attainable.

“By prioritising their people, health, and the environment, BAT Nigeria is not only meeting targets but also safeguarding lives and shaping a resilient, sustainable future.

“These initiatives foster an adaptive safety culture, empowering employees at all levels to take ownership of their wellbeing and that of their colleagues.”

Ishtiaq added that health initiatives form a core component of BAT Nigeria’s comprehensive safety strategy. Its Occupational Health Management Programme offers onsite clinics, regular health screenings, and wellness campaigns tackling pervasive health issues like malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19—services extended to employees’ families across West and Central Africa.

The company’s strengths are reflected in high employee engagement—over 90 per cent participation in the Pulsar behavioural safety programme—and in its outstanding safety audits, notably passing the demanding Willis Property Fire Safety Audit. Safety measures extend beyond factory floors, with enhanced digital tools for near-miss reporting demonstrating a proactive stance that encouraged a 12 per cent increase in safety reports, strengthening the company’s responsiveness.

Looking ahead, BAT Nigeria continues to invest in innovative safety solutions. Collaborations with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) ensure forklift drivers are licensed according to national standards, boosting safety in logistics. The company has expanded digital work permits, elevated hazard reporting protocols for high-risk tasks, and increased contractor training in areas such as confined spaces and work at heights.