Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, a top consumer goods company and part of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, celebrated its 75th anniversary in Nigeria on Monday. The event took place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Akume congratulated NBC on this big achievement and praised the Coca-Cola system for its continued investment in Nigeria.
While delivering the President’s remarks, Akume said, “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 added, “We welcome companies willing to produce in Nigeria, develop Nigerian talent, strengthen local supply chains and contribute to the communities in which they operate.”
NBC started its first production in Ebute Metta in 1951. Since then, it has grown to include eight plants, eleven depots and 52 commercial territories. NBC has created jobs, supported local supply chains, developed talent and invested in communities across Nigeria. Through its work and value chain, NBC is still contributing to economic activities in areas like manufacturing, logistics, distribution, retail and more.
Anastassis G David, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, reflected on the company’s beginnings. He said, “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. 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. This belief echoes our own confidence in Nigeria’s future, which remains as strong today as it has ever been.”
Sola David-Borha, Chairperson of the Board at Nigerian Bottling Company, spoke at the event. She said the company’s success is based on trust, built over time through consistency and good governance.
A recent economic impact study by Steward Redqueen reported that the Coca-Cola system added about US$1 billion in value-added economic activity across its value chain in Nigeria in 2024. This study also found that it supported over 160,000 jobs, including nearly 3,000 direct roles and around 157,200 jobs in sectors like retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services.
The study also showed that the Coca-Cola system sourced almost US$601 million worth of goods and services from local suppliers in Nigeria in that same year.
Goran Sladic, Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company, said, “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. As we look to the future, our ambition is to build on that legacy and continue creating value for years to come.”
Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Nigeria. He said, “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.”
Mr Bogdanovic mentioned that the Coca-Cola system is still on track with its 2024 plan to invest up to US$1 billion in Nigeria over five years, depending on a stable business environment.
“We have already begun advancing that commitment through investments to expand manufacturing capacity at our Asejire Plant in Oyo State and our Challawa Plant in Kano State,” he said.
These investments will improve production, support Nigeria’s growing consumer market and create more opportunities in local manufacturing and supply.
On the anniversary, Mr Bogdanovic announced a $1.25 million commitment by the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation to help young Nigerian entrepreneurs over the next three years. This support will assist them in building and maintaining businesses in Nigeria’s hospitality and food service sector through grants, structured training, business support and mentorship.
“Through this initiative, we hope to help create new opportunities for young entrepreneurs and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s hospitality and food service sector,” he said.
This commitment adds to Coca-Cola HBC’s broader social efforts in Nigeria, which include youth and women empowerment, access to clean water, environmental sustainability, and waste collection and recycling.
The Coca-Cola Foundation has also promised US$1.25 million to improve water solutions for thousands of Nigerians.
Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, emphasized the strong partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola HBC. He said, “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.”
“In Nigeria, that commitment goes beyond our business. The Coca-Cola Foundation is separately supporting efforts to expand access to safe water in Lagos and Abuja, helping more communities build resilience for the future.”
“As NBC marks 75 years, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone and continue growing with Nigeria.
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