By Tunde Oso
Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has marked its 75th anniversary in Nigeria with a gala event held at the Conference Centre, Abuja.
Reflecting on the company’s origin, Anastassis G. David, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, said: “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.”
Speaking at the event, Sola David-Borha, Chairperson of NBC Board, said the “company’s endurance rested on trust, earned over time through consistency and sound governance.”
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the special guest of honour at the event, congratulated NBC on the milestone and commended the Coca-Cola system for its sustained investment in Nigeria.
Delivering the President’s remarks, 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.”
Commenting, Goran Sladic, Managing Director, NBC, stated: “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.”
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,” he said.
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.
Marking the anniversary, Mr. Bogdanovic announced a $1.25 million commitment by the Coca Cola HBC Foundation to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs over the next three years, helping 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.
“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.
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.”
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