L-R: Region 3 Director, Coca-Cola HBC, Vladimir Kosijer; President, Africa Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company, Luis Felipe Avellar; Chief Operating Officer, Coca-Cola HBC, Naya Kalogeraki; Chairperson, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Board, Sola David-Borha; Chairman, Coca-Cola HBC, Anastassis G. David; Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, Senator (Dr) George Akume; Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company, Henrique Braun; Director, Coca-Cola HBC Board, Zulikat Wuraola Abiola; CEO, Coca-Cola HBC, Zoran Bogdanovic; Vice President, Nigeria & Egypt, The Coca-Cola Company, Mariam Khan; and Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), Goran Sladic, at the 75th Anniversary Flagship Gala of Nigerian Bottling Company, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (BATICC), Abuja on September 14, 2026.
By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd has marked 75 years of operations in Nigeria, reaffirming its long-term commitment to investment, local manufacturing, job creation and community development in the country.
The milestone was celebrated at a gala held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Monday, September 14, 2026.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was the special guest of honour, was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Akume congratulated NBC on the anniversary and commended the Coca-Cola system for its sustained investment in Nigeria.
Delivering the President’s remarks, the SGF said NBC’s 75-year journey demonstrated the opportunities that could emerge from sustained investment in the Nigerian economy.
“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 said.
Akume added that the Federal Government welcomed companies that produce locally, develop Nigerian talent, strengthen domestic supply chains and contribute to the communities where they operate.
NBC began production in Ebute Metta, Lagos, in 1951 and has since expanded its operations to eight plants, 11 depots and 52 commercial territories across Nigeria.
The company said its operations and value chain support economic activities in manufacturing, logistics, distribution, retail and other sectors.
Speaking on the company’s history, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, Anastassis G. David, said NBC’s establishment reflected a long-term belief in Nigeria’s potential.
He recalled that in 1951, Anastasios Leventis negotiated bottling rights for the whole of Nigeria, describing the decision as a major investment in the country’s future.
David said that confidence in Nigeria remained strong, adding that the company’s commitment was anchored on investing for the long term.
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.
Coca-Cola system contributes $1bn to Nigerian economy
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 Nigerian value chain in 2024.
The study also estimated that the system supported more than 160,000 jobs, comprising nearly 3,000 direct jobs and approximately 157,200 jobs across sectors including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services.
According to the study, the Coca-Cola system also sourced almost $601 million worth of goods and services from Nigerian suppliers in 2024.
Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company, Goran Sladic, said the 75th anniversary represented 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.
He added that NBC’s ambition was to build on its legacy and continue creating value in Nigeria for years to come.
Coca-Cola HBC reaffirms $1bn investment commitment
Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, Zoran Bogdanovic, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Nigeria, saying the company’s history was closely linked with the country’s development.
Bogdanovic said Coca-Cola HBC 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.
He disclosed that investments were already being made to expand manufacturing capacity at the company’s Asejire Plant in Oyo State and Challawa Plant in Kano State.
According to him, the investments are expected to strengthen production capacity and create additional opportunities across Nigeria’s manufacturing and supply ecosystem.
Foundation commits $1.25m to young entrepreneurs
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 target businesses in the hospitality and food service sector through business grants, entrepreneurship training, business formalisation support and mentorship.
Bogdanovic said the initiative was designed to create new opportunities for young entrepreneurs and contribute to the long-term development of Nigeria’s hospitality and food service industry.
The commitment adds to Coca-Cola HBC’s broader social investment programmes 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 for thousands of Nigerians.
CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Henrique Braun, highlighted the long-standing partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola HBC.
Braun said the Coca-Cola system’s strength was based on collaboration with bottling partners to create value for communities.
He added that the Coca-Cola Foundation was supporting efforts to expand access to safe water in Lagos and Abuja.
As NBC commemorates 75 years of operations in Nigeria, the company said it remained focused on strengthening its contribution to local production, economic development, talent development and community investment.
