British American Tobacco Nigeria has earned praise for its significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing industry, having recorded over $300 million in export revenue between 2022 and 2024. The accomplishment was highlighted at the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, where the company was honoured with the Diamond Sponsor Appreciation Award for its consistent commitment to industrial development and promotion of goods produced locally.
The three-day gathering, themed Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria, convened leaders from the public and private sectors who underscored the need to deepen local production, especially as the nation works toward enhanced industrialization and improved regional trade engagement.
A BAT Nigeria representative, who accepted the award on the company’s behalf, stated that the recognition reinforces the organisation’s belief in the strength of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. The representative noted that BAT will continue to emphasize local content and broaden its export operations because long-term wealth creation is rooted in resilient, competitive, and proudly Nigerian manufacturing enterprises.
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BAT Nigeria’s export operations span 13 countries across West and Central Africa, as well as the United States, boosting Nigeria’s presence in non-oil export markets and contributing to foreign exchange earnings. Its Ibadan factory remains one of the most prominent manufacturing centres in West Africa, playing a critical role in the country’s journey toward full industrial development.
In addition to its export achievements, BAT Nigeria supports an estimated 350,000 direct and indirect jobs across its extensive value chain, which includes suppliers, logistics providers, and distribution partners. This wide-reaching employment footprint underscores the company’s contribution to sustaining livelihoods and strengthening the broader economic ecosystem.
A senior leader at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria remarked that BAT’s performance exemplifies how multinational companies can advance local manufacturing and propel the Made in Nigeria initiative, especially as the country seeks stronger participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area. The official emphasized that investments of this scale and export-driven production are vital for improving competitiveness and unlocking fresh opportunities for MSMEs connected to manufacturing supply networks.
