The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Nigeria, as it marked 75 years of operations in the country with fresh investments aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity and supporting young entrepreneurs.
The company, a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, made the commitment at a gala at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, to commemorate its 75th anniversary.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was special guest of honour, was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Akume congratulated NBC on the milestone and commended the Coca-Cola for its sustained investment in Nigeria. He said the company’s 75-year journey demonstrated the importance of long-term investment in the Nigerian economy.
‘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,’ he said.
The SGF added that the Federal Government welcomed companies willing to produce locally, develop Nigerian talent, strengthen supply chains and invest in their host communities.
NBC began production in Ebute Metta, Lagos, in 1951 and has since expanded to eight plants, 11 depots and 52 commercial territories across the country.
The company said its operations and value chain have supported employment, local sourcing, talent development, community investment and economic activity across manufacturing, logistics, distribution and retail.
Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, Anastassis G. David, traced the company’s Nigerian journey to the decision by Anastasios Leventis in 1951 to secure bottling rights for the entire country.
He said the decision reflected confidence in Nigeria’s potential and its people.
‘It was a big, bold decision, but it was also a statement of belief. Belief in Nigeria, as a country of exceptional importance, scale and prospect. Belief in its people-in communities across the nation. And belief in what could be achieved by investing for the long term,’ David said.
Chairperson of NBC’s Board, Sola David-Borha, said the company’s longevity was built on trust developed through consistency and sound governance.
An economic impact study by Steward Redqueen found that the Coca-Cola system contributed about $1 billion in value-added economic activity across its Nigerian value chain in 2024.
The study also estimated that the system supported more than 160,000 jobs, comprising nearly 3,000 direct jobs and about 157,200 jobs across sectors including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services.
It further reported that the Coca-Cola system sourced goods and services worth nearly $601 million from Nigerian suppliers during the year.
NBC Managing Director, Goran Sladic, said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the company’s contribution to Nigeria while preparing for the future.
‘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,’ he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, Zoran Bogdanovic, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Nigeria, saying the country remained central to its long-term growth strategy.
Bogdanovic said Coca-Cola HBC was continuing to implement its 2024 commitment to invest up to $1 billion in Nigeria over five years, subject to a predictable and enabling business environment.
He disclosed that investments had already commenced to expand manufacturing capacity at the company’s Asejire Plant in Oyo State and Challawa Plant in Kano State.
According to him, the investments would strengthen production capacity, meet growing consumer demand and create more opportunities within the local manufacturing and supply ecosystem.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, Bogdanovic announced a $1.25 million commitment by the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs over the next three years.
The initiative will focus on entrepreneurs in the hospitality and food-service sectors through business grants, entrepreneurship training, business formalisation support and mentorship.
He said the programme was designed to create opportunities for young Nigerians and contribute to the long-term development of the hospitality and food-service industry.
The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation’s intervention adds to the group’s wider social investments in Nigeria, including youth and women empowerment, access to clean water, environmental sustainability, waste collection and recycling.
Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, Henrique Braun, said the enduring partnership between the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola HBC remained central to the system’s ability to create value in communities.
He said the Coca-Cola Foundation was separately supporting initiatives to expand access to safe water in Lagos and Abuja.
The foundation has committed $1.25 million towards more sustainable water solutions expected to benefit thousands of Nigerians.
Braun said: ‘As NBC marks 75 years, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone and continue growing with Nigeria.’