Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, Nigeria’s Coca-Cola bottling franchise, has marked 75 years of operations in the country with renewed investment commitments from the Coca-Cola system, as the company positions manufacturing capacity, local sourcing and youth entrepreneurship at the centre of its next phase of growth.
The anniversary, celebrated at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, brought together government officials, business leaders and executives of the Coca-Cola system, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, commending NBC for its long-term investment in Nigeria.
Delivering the President’s remarks, Akume said the company’s anniversary represented not only a milestone in corporate longevity but also an opportunity to deepen investment, local production and employment.
“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.
He added that the government welcomed companies that produce locally, develop Nigerian talent, strengthen domestic supply chains and invest in their host communities.
The anniversary comes as Coca-Cola HBC maintains its commitment to invest up to $1 billion in Nigeria over five years, announced in 2024, subject to what the company described as a predictable and enabling business environment.
Zoran Bogdanovic, chief executive officer, Coca-Cola HBC, said the group had already begun advancing the commitment through investments to expand manufacturing capacity at NBC’s Asejire plant in Oyo State and Challawa plant in Kano State.
The investments are expected to increase production capacity and strengthen the company’s ability to serve Nigeria’s consumer market while generating additional activity across its manufacturing and supply ecosystem.
“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,” Bogdanovic said.
Since its first production run in Ebute Metta, Lagos, in 1951, NBC has expanded to eight plants, 11 depots and 52 commercial territories, creating a nationwide manufacturing and distribution footprint.
Goran Sladic, managing director, NBC, said the company’s 75-year history was closely linked to the development of local business opportunities and supply chains.
“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 scale of the Coca-Cola system’s economic footprint was highlighted by a recent economic impact study conducted by Steward Redqueen.
The study estimated that the system generated approximately $1 billion in value-added economic activity in Nigeria in 2024, while supporting more than 160,000 jobs across its direct and wider value chain.
Of the estimated employment impact, nearly 3,000 jobs were direct roles, while approximately 157,200 jobs were supported across sectors including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and services.
The study also estimated that the Coca-Cola system sourced almost $601 million worth of goods and services from Nigerian suppliers during the year.
Alongside its manufacturing investment, Coca-Cola HBC announced a $1.25 million commitment through the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs over the next three years.
The initiative will focus on businesses in the hospitality and food service sector, providing grants, entrepreneurship training, business formalisation support and mentorship.
Bogdanovic said the programme was designed to help young entrepreneurs establish and sustain businesses while contributing to the long-term development of Nigeria’s hospitality and food service industry.
The commitment forms part of broader social investment activities by the Coca-Cola system in Nigeria, covering youth and women empowerment, water access, environmental sustainability, waste collection and recycling.
The Coca-Cola Foundation has separately committed $1.25 million towards more sustainable water solutions for Nigerians.
Anastassis G. David, chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, traced the company’s Nigerian presence to 1951, when Anastasios Leventis secured Coca-Cola rights for the country.
He said the original investment reflected confidence in Nigeria’s scale, people and long-term economic prospects.
“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.
“That belief echoes our own confidence in Nigeria’s future, which remains as strong today as it has ever been,” David said.
Sola David-Borha, chairperson of the NBC board, said the company’s longevity had been built on trust developed through consistency and sound governance.
Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, also reaffirmed the importance of the partnership between the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola HBC in creating economic and social value in markets such as Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, that commitment goes beyond our business,” Braun said, noting the Coca-Cola Foundation’s support for initiatives aimed at expanding access to safe water in Lagos and Abuja.
