President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited and the Coca-Cola HBC Group on their 75 years milestone in sustainable investment in the country, including the development of talent, manufacturing, strengthening local supply chains and contributions to the communities they operate.

Tinubu gave the commendation during a gala event to mark NBC’s 75th anniversary in Nigeria held in Abuja.

Representing Tinubu who was the special guest of honour, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, said the 75-year journey, which began in Lagos has produced significant progress to the country’s economic development.

Delivering the President’ remarks, Akume said the country looks forward to more investment, stronger industries, better jobs, deeper local production and greater opportunities for Nigerians.

A recent economic impact study by Steward Redqueen reported that the CocaCola system contributed approximately $1 billion in value-added economic activity across its value chain in Nigeria in 2024, and supported over 160,000 jobs, including nearly 3,000 direct roles and approximately 157,200 jobs in sectors including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services.

The study also found that the CocaCola system sourced almost $601 million worth of goods and services from suppliers in Nigeria in the same year.

Akume said through its operations and value chain, NBC continues to contribute to economic activity across manufacturing, logistics, distribution, retail and other sectors.

He said since its first production run in Ebute Metta in 1951, NBC has grown into an operation spanning eight plants, eleven depots and 52 commercial territories, supporting jobs, local supply chains, talent development and community investment across Nigeria.

The SGF welcomed companies willing to produce in Nigeria, develop Nigerian talent, strengthen local supply chains and contribute to the communities in which they operate.

Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, Zoran Bogdanovic, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Nigeria.

Bogdanovic said the Coca-Cola system continues to deliver on its 2024 commitment to invest up to $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.

Marking the anniversary, Bogdanovic announced a $1.25 million commitment by the CocaCola HBC Foundation to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs over the next three years.

He and this is designed to help them build and sustain businesses in Nigeria’s hospitality and food service sector through business grants, structured entrepreneurship training, business formalisation support and dedicated mentorship.

According to him, the commitment builds on Coca-Cola HBC’s broader social investment in Nigeria, spanning youth and women empowerment, access to clean water, environmental sustainability, and waste collection and recycling.

He said the CocaCola Foundation has also committed $1.25 million to advance more sustainable water solutions for thousands of Nigerians.

Reflecting on the company’s origin, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, Anastassis David, said the Anastasios Leventis negotiated the rights for the whole of Nigeria in 1951, which as borne out of the belief in the country, it’s peopl and communities.

He said the belief translated into what could be achieved by investing for the long term in Nigeria, which remains as strong today as it has ever been.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Board, NBC, Sola David-Borha, said the company’s endurance rested on the trust earned over time through consistency and sound governance.

Managing Director, NBC, Goran Sladic, said the company has enjoyed 75 years of growth with Nigeria and is proud of the role it has 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,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, Henrique Braun, 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,” he said.

“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.”