British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) has received praise for its strong contribution to Nigeria’s manufacturing industry, after recording more than $300 million in export earnings between 2022 and 2024. The company disclosed the achievement during the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), where it was honoured for supporting industrial growth and promoting local content.
The three-day AGM, held under the theme Nigeria First: Prioritising Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria, brought together some of the biggest names in the country’s business community. Industry leaders, government officials and private-sector players attended the event, including the keynote speaker, President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who also encouraged stronger backing for the local manufacturing sector.
BAT Nigeria was presented with the Diamond Sponsor Appreciation Award during the gathering. Chairman of the MAN Export Promotion Group, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, accepted the award on behalf of the company. She explained that the recognition showed that long-term investment in local manufacturing continues to add value to the economy. According to her, BAT Nigeria remains focused on promoting local content, expanding exports and strengthening the country’s manufacturing base.
Erewa-Meggison said the company believes that building strong and competitive Nigerian industries is the foundation for long-term wealth creation. She noted that BAT Nigeria will keep supporting local suppliers, growers and partners who contribute to its production activities. She added that the award would motivate the company to keep expanding its export potential and support the wider industrialisation agenda of the Federal Government.
The company’s export reach spans 13 countries across West and Central Africa, as well as the United States. This wide market presence has helped Nigeria improve its non-oil export capacity, especially at a time when the country is trying to reduce dependence on crude oil and develop more stable foreign exchange sources. BAT Nigeria’s factory in Ibadan, Oyo State, has grown into one of the largest manufacturing hubs in West Africa, supporting production for both local consumption and export markets.
Industry observers say the company’s export success also supports Nigeria’s economic stability by generating foreign exchange, which is needed to ease pressure on the naira and help manufacturers import equipment and raw materials. BAT Nigeria’s consistent export growth has made it one of the key players in Nigeria’s efforts to increase non-oil revenue.
Apart from its financial impact, the company also plays an important role in job creation. BAT Nigeria estimates that it supports around 350,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country. These jobs cut across different parts of its value chain, including farmers, raw material suppliers, logistics operators, distributors and small businesses. Many local communities depend on its supply network, showing how manufacturing companies can influence rural development and economic expansion.
Speaking at the AGM, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the company’s performance is an example of how multinational firms operating in Nigeria can help deepen local manufacturing. He noted that with the country preparing to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), companies like BAT Nigeria can help Nigeria become more competitive, especially in processed goods and quality manufacturing output.
Ajayi-Kadir also stressed that the “Made-in-Nigeria” agenda is key to supporting economic growth. He added that strong export-focused companies help Nigeria build a reputation for quality products, which is important for attracting new investors and improving confidence in the local business environment. He encouraged other manufacturers to increase their investments in innovation, production capacity and local sourcing.
The recognition given to BAT Nigeria, according to analysts, also reflects the importance of policy consistency, government support and private-sector commitment to long-term industrial growth. With Nigeria seeking to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on imports, the role of established manufacturers remains critical. Many experts believe that sustaining export-focused production will help Nigeria stabilise its currency, strengthen regional trade ties and support job creation.
The company’s activities also align with Nigeria’s wider goal of encouraging more patronage of home-grown products. As conversations around economic diversification continue, stakeholders at the AGM agreed that improving infrastructure, ensuring steady power supply and reducing the cost of doing business remain important for manufacturers.
BAT Nigeria says it plans to continue expanding its operations and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. The company added that it will keep working with government agencies, industry groups and business partners to strengthen export capacity and promote local content.
