The NBC 75th Anniversary Nigeria Growth celebration took place on Sunday, September 14, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, as the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd marked 75 years of operations in Nigeria, reaffirming its long-term commitment to investment, job creation, and industrial development across the country.

Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd, a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group and a key bottling partner within the global Coca-Cola system, commemorated the milestone with a high-level gala event attended by government representatives, business leaders, and stakeholders across Nigeria’s manufacturing and distribution sectors.

Also read: RC Ikate installs Dominic Chukwuemeka as 40th president, unveils N30mln project budget

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator (Dr) George Akume, congratulated the company on its decades-long presence and contribution to Nigeria’s industrial growth.

The President’s message underscored the importance of sustained private sector investment in strengthening local production and expanding economic opportunities.

“Seventy-five years ago, Nigerian Bottling Company began a journey in Lagos. Tonight, we celebrate what that journey has produced,” Akume said.

“We look forward to more investment, stronger industries, better jobs, deeper local production and greater opportunities for Nigerians.”

The NBC 75th Anniversary Nigeria Growth milestone traces the company’s journey from its first production run in Ebute Metta in 1951 to its current nationwide footprint, which now spans eight plants, 11 depots and 52 commercial territories across Nigeria.

Reflecting on the company’s legacy, Anastassis G. David, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, described NBC’s establishment in Nigeria as a “bold decision rooted in belief” in the country’s long-term potential and human capital.

“That belief in Nigeria, in its communities and in its people continues to guide our investment philosophy today,” David said.

Chairperson of the Board, Nigerian Bottling Company, Sola David-Borha, noted that the company’s longevity has been anchored on trust, consistency, and governance discipline built over decades of operation in Nigeria’s dynamic market.

Managing Director of NBC, Goran Sladic, described the anniversary as both a reflection point and a forward-looking commitment.

“Seventy-five years of Nigerian Bottling Company is 75 years of growing with Nigeria,” Sladic said. “We are proud of the role we have played in creating opportunities, developing people and strengthening local value chains.”

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a recent economic impact study by Steward Redqueen, which estimated that the Coca-Cola system contributed approximately US$1 billion in value-added economic activity in Nigeria in 2024.

The report also indicated support for over 160,000 jobs across manufacturing, retail, agriculture, logistics, and services, with nearly 3,000 direct roles and more than 157,000 indirect employment opportunities.

The study further showed that the system sourced about US$601 million worth of goods and services locally within the same period, reinforcing its integration into Nigeria’s supply chain ecosystem.

Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, Zoran Bogdanovic, reaffirmed the Group’s ongoing investment outlook for Nigeria, including a previously announced commitment of up to US$1 billion over five years, subject to a stable business environment.

He confirmed ongoing expansions at the Asejire Plant in Oyo State and the Challawa Plant in Kano State.

“We are continuing to invest in Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity and supply chain resilience,” Bogdanovic said.

In a notable announcement during the celebration, the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation committed US$1.25 million to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs in the hospitality and food service sector.

The initiative will provide grants, training, mentorship, and business formalisation support over the next three years.

According to Bogdanovic, the initiative is designed to strengthen youth enterprise and expand opportunities in Nigeria’s growing informal and small business economy.

The Coca-Cola Foundation also announced a separate US$1.25 million commitment to expand access to sustainable water solutions across Nigeria, with focus on communities in Lagos and Abuja.

Henrique Braun, Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, highlighted the strength of the global bottling partnership, noting that the Coca-Cola system’s success is built on shared value creation with host communities.

“In Nigeria, that commitment goes beyond business. It is about resilience, opportunity and long-term shared growth,” Braun said.

The NBC 75th Anniversary Nigeria Growth celebration ultimately underscored both continuity and expansion, positioning the company not only as a long-standing industrial player but also as a central contributor to Nigeria’s manufacturing and employment ecosystem.

Also read: RC Ikate installs Dominic Chukwuemeka as 40th president, unveils N30mln project budget

With renewed investment commitments, expanded production capacity, and increased social impact programmes, NBC’s 75-year journey reflects a broader narrative of sustained industrial partnership between multinational enterprise and Nigeria’s evolving economy.