British American Tobacco Nigeria has been commended for its contribution to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, having generated more than $ 300 million in export sales between 2022 and 2024. The company announced the achievement at the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, where it received the Diamond Sponsor Appreciation Award for its long-standing support of industrial growth and promotion of locally produced goods.
The three-day event, themed Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria, brought together industry leaders, government officials and private-sector executives who emphasized the importance of strengthening local production at a time when the country is seeking deeper industrialization and stronger regional trade ties.
A representative of BAT Nigeria, who accepted the award on behalf of the company, said the recognition reflects the firm’s confidence in the potential of Nigeria’s manufacturing landscape. The representative added that the company continues to prioritise local content and expand its export footprint because sustainable wealth creation begins with strong, competitive, and proudly Nigerian manufacturing enterprises.
The company’s export reach extends across 13 West and Central African countries as well as the United States, reinforcing Nigeria’s position in non-oil export markets and contributing to foreign exchange inflows. Its factory in Ibadan remains one of the leading manufacturing hubs in West Africa and plays a vital role in the country’s industrialization efforts.
Beyond export performance, BAT Nigeria supports an estimated 350,000 direct and indirect jobs across its value chain, including suppliers, logistics operators, and distribution networks. This broad employment impact highlights the company’s role in stabilising livelihoods and strengthening the broader business ecosystem.
A senior official of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria noted that the company’s performance demonstrates how multinational corporations can contribute to local manufacturing growth and advance the Made in Nigeria agenda, particularly as the country positions itself for greater participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area. The official added that such investment and export-focused production are essential for boosting competitiveness and opening new opportunities for MSMEs linked to manufacturing supply chains.
