Seventy-five years after it began production from a single factory in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd has grown into one of Nigeria’s most established manufacturing businesses, building a nationwide footprint while deepening its links with local suppliers, workers, communities, and consumers.
The company, a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, marked the milestone with a gala at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, bringing together government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate its seven-decade presence in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, described NBC’s 75-year journey as an important milestone for Nigeria’s industrial development.
‘Seventy-five years ago, Nigerian Bottling Company began a journey in Lagos. Tonight, we celebrate what that journey has produced. But more importantly, we look forward to what the next chapter can bring: more investment, stronger industries, better jobs, deeper local production and greater opportunities for Nigerians,’ Akume said.
He said the government welcomed companies prepared to manufacture in Nigeria, develop local talent, strengthen domestic supply chains and invest in the communities where they operate.
From Ebute Metta to a nationwide footprint
NBC’s Nigerian story began in 1951 when it commenced production in Ebute Metta. Seventy-five years later, the company operates eight plants, 11 depots and 52 commercial territories across the country.
Its growth has created an extensive network spanning manufacturing, logistics, distribution and retail, while connecting the company to local suppliers and agricultural value chains.
An economic impact study by Steward Redqueen found that the wider Coca-Cola system contributed approximately $1 billion in value-added economic activity across its Nigerian value chain in 2024.
The system supported more than 160,000 jobs during the year, including nearly 3,000 direct positions and about 157,200 jobs across retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, services, and other sectors.
The study also estimated that the Coca-Cola system sourced almost $601 million worth of goods and services from Nigerian suppliers in 2024.
For NBC, the figures underscore how a manufacturing operation established 75 years ago has developed into a broader economic ecosystem.
Anastassis G. David, chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, said Anastasios Leventis’s 1951 decision to secure Coca-Cola rights across Nigeria represented a long-term bet on the country.
‘In 1951, Anastasios Leventis negotiated the rights for the whole of Nigeria. It was a big, bold decision, but it was also a statement of belief,’ David said.
He said the decision reflected confidence in Nigeria’s importance, scale and prospects, as well as in the potential of its people and communities.
‘That belief echoes our own confidence in Nigeria’s future, which remains as strong today as it has ever been,’ he said.
Built on consistency and trust
Sola David-Borha, chairperson of the NBC board, said the company’s ability to remain relevant over seven and a half decades had been built on trust, consistency and sound governance.
Goran Sladic, managing director of NBC, described the company’s history as inseparable from Nigeria’s economic and social development.
‘Seventy-five years of Nigerian Bottling Company is 75 years of growing with Nigeria. We are proud of the role we have played in creating opportunities, developing people, supporting communities, and strengthening local value chains,’ Sladic said.
‘As we look to the future, our ambition is to build on that legacy and continue creating value for years to come.’
The anniversary comes as the company and its parent group seek to extend that legacy through further investments in local manufacturing.
Betting on the next 75 years
Zoran Bogdanovic, chief executive officer of Coca-Cola HBC, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Nigeria, saying the anniversary represented more than longevity.
‘This is a remarkable milestone for any company. For us, it represents far more than longevity. It reflects a shared history with Nigeria, a country where Coca-Cola HBC’s story began, and a history of which we are very proud,’ he said.
Coca-Cola HBC has committed to invest up to $1 billion in Nigeria over five years, subject to a predictable and enabling business environment.
Bogdanovic said the group had already begun advancing the commitment through investments aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity at NBC’s Asejire plant in Oyo State and Challawa plant in Kano State.
The investments are expected to increase production capacity while strengthening opportunities across the local manufacturing and supply ecosystem.
Beyond its manufacturing operations, Coca-Cola HBC is also directing capital towards entrepreneurship and social development.
The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation announced a $1.25 million commitment over three years to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs in the hospitality and food-service sector.
The initiative will provide business grants, entrepreneurship training, business formalisation support and mentorship.
Separately, the Coca-Cola Foundation has committed another $1.25 million to advance sustainable water solutions for thousands of Nigerians, including efforts to expand access to safe water in Lagos and Abuja.
Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said the partnership between Coca-Cola and its bottling partners remained central to creating value in the communities they serve.
‘One of the Coca-Cola system’s greatest strengths is how we work together with our bottling partners to create value for the communities we serve,’ Braun said.
‘As NBC marks 75 years, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone and continue growing with Nigeria.’