NBC celebrates 75 years in Nigeria, pledges $2.5m for

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, a 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.

​Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the special guest of honour, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator  George Akume commended the Coca-Cola system for its sustained economic impact.

​“Seventy-five years ago, NBC began a journey in Lagos. Tonight, we celebrate what that journey has produced—and look forward to more investment, stronger industries, better jobs, and greater opportunities for Nigerians,” Akume stated.

​Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, reaffirmed the company’s 2024 pledge to invest up to $1 billion in Nigeria over five years, subject to an enabling business environment. He noted that capital deployment is already underway to expand capacity at the Asejire plant in Oyo State and the Challawa plant in Kano State.

​To mark the milestone, Bogdanovic announced a $1.25 million commitment from the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs in the hospitality and food service sectors through grants, mentorship, and training over the next three years. Separately, The Coca-Cola Foundation pledged $1.25 million to scale sustainable clean water projects in Lagos and Abuja.

​“Our ambition is to build on our 75-year legacy, supporting communities, empowering youth, and continuing to create value for years to come,” added Goran Sladic, Managing Director of NBC.