International Breweries Plc, a member of the AB InBev Group, the world’s largest beer maker, has rolled-out a new fleet of gas-powered trucks to distribute its products across the country as part of efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
The company unveiled its first instalment delivery of 40 gas-powered trucks on Tuesday at its Gateway Plant in Ogun State. It said it will receive a total of 540 state-of-the-art gas-powered trucks with a yearly instalment delivery of 180 trucks in three years.
This initiative is aimed at reducing the emission of carbon monoxide (CO2) on Nigerian roads, a common practice that leads to the deterioration of public health, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Goal 13 which speaks to Climate Action.
Speaking at the launch, the State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Kikelomo Longe, who represented the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, emphasized the importance of International Breweries to Ogun State and commended the giant brewer for yet another laudable and pioneering initiative.
According to her, “The commissioning of 40 new eco-friendly gas-powered trucks is raising the bar and setting a standard that others must seek to follow.
The positive effect on the environment is a major milestone which affects health, making the air cleaner. International Breweries has always been keen on eco-practices such as biogas converted from your bi-products, and using LNG to power your machines.”
Longe also noted that IBPLC should be a case study for industries operating in Ogun State.
On his part, the Supply Director, International Breweries Plc, Tony Agah, said: “As a forward-looking organisation, we consistently explore ways to improve our operations and reduce the environmental impact of our activities, and our switch to gas-powered trucks is a significant step in achieving both of these goals. By using compressed natural gas (CNG) as fuel, our trucks emit significantly fewer pollutants than traditional diesel engines. This will help us reduce our carbon footprint and support Nigeria’s efforts to address climate change.”
The combustion of natural gas dissipates much faster in the air, leaving no particles or residue behind, therefore, the acquisition of gas-powered trucks will improve the air quality in the environment for human, animal, and plant benefits.
Also speaking about the landmark achievement, Procurement Director, IBPLC, Akintunde Fayanmira, said: “As a responsible corporate citizen, we are consistently seeking ways to minimise the impact our operations have on the environment in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13 which speak to Affordable and Clean Energy as well as Climate Action and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately, global warming by adopting sustainable resource management. This will also see to the total elimination of sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter (soot).”
Data from the Energy Information Administration shows that since 2006, increased use of natural gas has driven carbon dioxide savings.
International Breweries owns an estimated 900 heavy goods trucks across the country. The company’s focus is to convert 20 per cent of trucks in its fleet into gas-powered trucks on an annual basis.