In the evolving landscape of corporate leadership, diversity is no longer just a metric — it is a strategic imperative. As organisations navigate an increasingly complex business environment, gender-balanced leadership has emerged as a critical driver of innovation, agility, and long-term success. At BAT Nigeria, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not just ideals but fundamental to our corporate strategy, fostering a culture where talent thrives, and leadership opportunities are accessible to all.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action”, BAT Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to dismantling barriers, amplifying female leadership, and fostering an environment where the most capable talents — regardless of gender — can rise to the top.
Managing Director of BAT West and Central Africa (WCA), Yarub Al-Bahrani said: ‘At BAT, we recognise that diverse leadership is not just about fairness — it’s about business excellence. Organisations that embrace inclusivity are more innovative, resilient, and better positioned for sustainable success. That is why we remain committed to advancing women’s leadership across all areas of our business’.
A significant milestone in this journey is the appointment of Osose Aziba as Area Head of Legal and Buky Olukoga as Area Head of Human Resources for WCA Cluster. With these leadership advancements, women now hold four key positions within BAT’s senior leadership team, alongside External Affairs Director, Odiri Erewa-Meggison; and Head of Marketing Deployment, WCA, Kikelomo Fisayo-Okusanya.
At BAT Nigeria, fostering female leadership goes beyond representation to building an environment where women excel across all functions, including traditionally male-dominated areas such as legal, regulatory affairs, security, and commercial strategy. By embedding DEI into its leadership approach, it is turning gender equity from aspiration into reality. institutionalising. Al-Bahrani asserted: ‘This is not about meeting quotas. It is about ensuring that talent, expertise, and leadership capabilities—irrespective of gender—define who leads. Our objective is clear: to cultivate an inclusive environment where women can advance and lead at every level of the organisation’.
BAT Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to DEI has not gone unnoticed. The company has been recognised as a Global Top Employer in Nigeria and West Africa, reinforcing its reputation as a workplace that prioritises inclusion, talent development, and employee well-being.
‘This recognition is not just an accolade—it reflects our continuous drive to embed diversity and inclusion into our corporate DNA. We do not only advocate for gender equity; we are institutionalising it’, Al-Bahrani said.
At BAT Nigeria, gender equality is more than a goal — it’s a business imperative. BAT Nigeria says that is not only driving change within its workforce but also shaping industry best practices and advancing corporate gender inclusion across Africa. Al-Bahrani explained: ‘Our ambition is clear. We are building a legacy where women are not just part of the conversation but are shaping the agenda. The journey toward a more inclusive and equitable workplace is ongoing, and at BAT Nigeria, we are committed to leading the charge’.
By embedding DEI into its leadership strategy, fostering mentorship, and ensuring career advancement for women, BAT Nigeria continues to demonstrate that gender diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage that drives innovation, strengthens resilience, and secures long-term success
