NBC at 75 Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Nigeria, Announces $1.25m Youth Entrepreneurship Support

NBC at 75 Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Nigeria, Announces $1.25m Youth Entrepreneurship Support

ABUJA, September 14, 2026 — Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, a leading consumer packaged goods company and member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Nigeria as the company marked 75 years of operations in the country.

The milestone was commemorated with a gala event held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour. The President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator (Dr) George Akume.

Congratulating NBC on its 75th anniversary, Akume commended the Coca-Cola system for its sustained investments in Nigeria, stressing the importance of companies that continue to invest in local production, develop Nigerian talent and strengthen domestic supply chains.

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.”

Since its first production run in Ebute Metta in 1951, NBC has expanded its operations to eight plants, 11 depots and 52 commercial territories across Nigeria, supporting employment, local supply chains, talent development and community investment.

Through its operations and wider value chain, the company contributes to economic activities across manufacturing, logistics, distribution, retail and other sectors.

Reflecting on the company’s origins, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, Anastassis G. David, said the decision by Anastasios Leventis in 1951 to secure Coca-Cola bottling rights for Nigeria reflected a strong belief in the country’s potential.

“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,” he said.

David added that the same confidence in Nigeria’s future remains strong today.

Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Chairperson of the Board of Nigerian Bottling Company, Sola David-Borha, said the company’s longevity had been built on trust, consistency and sound governance.

A recent economic impact study by Steward Redqueen reported that the Coca-Cola system contributed approximately $1 billion in value-added economic activity across its value chain in Nigeria in 2024, while supporting more than 160,000 jobs.

According to the study, the figure included nearly 3,000 direct jobs and approximately 157,200 jobs across sectors such as retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services.

The study also revealed that the Coca-Cola system sourced almost $601 million worth of goods and services from suppliers in Nigeria during the same year.

Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company, Goran Sladic, said the anniversary represented more than seven decades of business operations, describing it as 75 years of growing alongside Nigeria.

“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,” he added.

Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, Zoran Bogdanovic, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to Nigeria, describing the 75th anniversary as a significant milestone that reflects the company’s shared history with the country.

“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.

He disclosed that the Coca-Cola system 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.

According to him, investments had already commenced to expand manufacturing capacity at the company’s Asejire Plant in Oyo State and Challawa Plant in Kano State.

He said the investments were expected to strengthen production capacity, support the country’s growing consumer market and create additional opportunities across the local manufacturing and supply ecosystem.

As part of activities marking the 75th anniversary, Bogdanovic also 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 operating in Nigeria’s hospitality and food service sectors through business grants, structured entrepreneurship training, business formalisation 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.

The commitment builds on Coca-Cola HBC’s broader social investments in Nigeria, covering youth and women empowerment, access to clean water, environmental sustainability, waste collection and recycling.

The Coca-Cola Foundation has also committed $1.25 million towards more sustainable water solutions aimed at benefiting thousands of Nigerians.

Also speaking, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Henrique Braun, highlighted the enduring partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola HBC, noting the importance of collaboration in creating value for 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,” Braun said.

He added that the Coca-Cola Foundation was separately supporting efforts to expand access to safe water in Lagos and Abuja.

“As NBC marks 75 years, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone and continue growing with Nigeria,” he said.

About Nigerian Bottling Company

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd is a member of Coca-Cola HBC Group and a strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company.

Coca-Cola HBC operates across 29 countries, working with customers to serve approximately 760 million consumers. Its portfolio covers sparkling, adult sparkling, juice, water, sport, energy, ready-to-drink tea, coffee and premium spirits, with snacks as an additional offering.

In October 2025, the company announced its intention to acquire a majority stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), which would expand its presence across 14 additional African markets. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

NBC manufactures, markets and distributes a portfolio of brands, including Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes and Limca, as well as Five Alive and Eva water. The company also partners with other beverage businesses to distribute Monster and Predator energy drinks and premium spirit brands.

More information is available at Coca-Cola HBC Nigeria.