NBC Marks 75 Years Of Growing With Nigeria, Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment As Coca-Cola System Pledges $1bn Investment
Written By Rashidat O. Okunlade| Lagos
A Milestone of Endurance and Belief
The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, a leading consumer packaged goods company and member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, marked its 75th anniversary in Nigeria with a gala event at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, celebrating a journey that began with a single production run in Ebute Metta in 1951 and has grown into one of the country’s most enduring corporate institutions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the special guest of honour, was represented by His Excellency, Senator (Dr) George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who congratulated NBC on the milestone and commended the Coca-Cola system for its sustained investment in Nigeria.
Government Endorsement: A Welcome for Long-Term Investors
Delivering the President’s remarks, Senator 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.”
“We welcome companies willing to produce in Nigeria, develop Nigerian talent, strengthen local supply chains and contribute to the communities in which they operate,” he added.
The Scale of NBC’s Footprint
Since its first production run, NBC has grown into an operation spanning: Metric Figure, Plants 8, Depots 11, and Commercial Territories 52.
Through its operations and value chain, NBC continues to contribute to economic activity across manufacturing, logistics, distribution, retail, and other sectors.
Economic Impact: $1 Billion in Value-Added Activity
A recent economic impact study by Steward Redqueen reported that the Coca-Cola system contributed approximately US$1 billion in value-added economic activity across its value chain in Nigeria in 2024, and supported more than 160,000 jobs, including:
Nearly 3,000 direct roles
Approximately 157,200 jobs in sectors including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and services
The study also found that the Coca-Cola system sourced almost US$601 million worth of goods and services from suppliers in Nigeria in the same year.
Leadership Voices: Belief in Nigeria’s Future
Anastassis G. David, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, reflected on the company’s origin:
“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, Nigerian Bottling Company, said the company’s endurance rested on trust, earned over time through consistency and sound governance.
Goran Sladic, Managing Director, 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.”
$1 Billion Investment Commitment
Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to Nigeria:
“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 the Coca-Cola system continues to deliver on its 2024 commitment to invest up to US$1 billion in Nigeria over five years, subject to a predictable and enabling 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.
The investments are expected to strengthen production capability, support Nigeria’s growing consumer market, and create further opportunities across the local manufacturing and supply ecosystem.
$1.25 Million for Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs
Marking the anniversary, 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 help them build and sustain businesses in Nigeria’s hospitality and food service sector through:
Business grants
Structured entrepreneurship training
Business formalisation support
Dedicated 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 investment in Nigeria, spanning:
Youth and women empowerment
Access to clean water
Environmental sustainability
Waste collection and recycling
Water Access: Another $1.25 Million Commitment
The Coca-Cola Foundation has also committed US$1.25 million to advance more sustainable water solutions for thousands of Nigerians.
Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, highlighted the enduring partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola HBC:
“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.”
What To Know About the Nigerian Bottling Company
Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited is a member of Coca-Cola HBC Group, a strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company.
Coca-Cola HBC has a broad geographic footprint across 29 countries, working together with its customers to serve 760 million consumers. Its portfolio is one of the strongest, broadest, and most flexible in the beverage industry, with consumer-leading beverage brands in the sparkling, adult sparkling, juice, water, sport, energy, ready-to-drink tea, coffee, and premium spirits categories, 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), further expanding its presence by 14 markets across the African continent. The acquisition is on track to complete in the second half of 2026.
NBC manufactures, markets, and distributes a portfolio of strong brands including:
Carbonated Soft Drinks: Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes, Limca
Still Drinks: Five Alive range, Eva water
Partner Brands: Monster and Predator energy drinks, premium spirit brands
Strategic Implications: A Template for Long-Term Investment
Analysts say NBC’s 75-year journey offers a compelling case study in long-term corporate commitment to Nigeria, one that has weathered economic cycles, policy shifts, and market evolution.
Several factors underpin this enduring presence:
1. The Power of Belief
As Anastassis David noted, NBC’s story began with a bold bet on Nigeria’s potential. That belief has been validated over seven decades.
2. Local Value Creation
With $601 million sourced from Nigerian suppliers and 160,000 jobs supported, NBC’s impact extends far beyond its own operations.
3. Investment Continuity
The $1 billion investment commitment and the expansion of the Asejire and Challawa plants, signals that NBC’s confidence in Nigeria remains undiminished.
4. Social Investment
The $1.25 million commitments to young entrepreneurs and water access demonstrate that corporate success and community development can go hand in hand.
The Road Ahead
As NBC enters its 76th year, the company’s trajectory reflects a broader truth about Nigeria’s economic potential: that long-term investment, local value creation, and community engagement can build institutions that endure.
For the Coca-Cola system, the message is clear: Nigeria remains a market of exceptional importance, scale, and prospect, and the company intends to keep growing with it.
This special report is part of ROTAMediaNews’ ongoing coverage of corporate milestones, investment, and economic development in Nigeria. Follow us for exclusive insights and in-depth analysis.
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Nigerian Bottling Company Website: https://ng.coca-colahellenic.com/
