Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has commemorated its 75th anniversary in Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to investing in the country’s growth and development.
The milestone was celebrated at a gala event held at the Conference Centre in Abuja, bringing together government officials, business leaders and stakeholders.
Reflecting on the company’s history in Nigeria, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, Anastassis G. David, recalled the decision that laid the foundation for the company’s operations in 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; 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.”
Chairperson of the NBC Board, Sola David-Borha, attributed the company’s longevity to the trust it has built over the years through consistency and strong corporate governance.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, congratulated NBC on its 75-year journey and praised the Coca-Cola system for its continued investment in Nigeria.
Delivering the President’s message, Akume said: “We welcome companies willing to produce in Nigeria, develop Nigerian talent, strengthen local supply chains and contribute to the communities in which they operate.”
Managing Director of NBC, Goran Sladic, said the anniversary reflects the company’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria and its people.
“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.”
Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, Zoran Bogdanovic, also reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to the Nigerian market.
“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.
Bogdanovic noted that the Coca-Cola system remains on course with its 2024 pledge to invest up to $1 billion in Nigeria over five years, subject to a stable and supportive 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.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, 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 provide business grants, entrepreneurship training, mentorship opportunities and support for business formalisation within Nigeria’s hospitality and food service sector.
“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.
Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, Henrique Braun, highlighted the strength of the partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola HBC in delivering value across communities.
“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.”
He added that the company’s commitment extends beyond business operations.
“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.”
