Adeniyi Commends BAT’s Compliance, Urges Investors To Emulate Business Model

By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | Thursday 17 September, 2026

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has commended British American Tobacco (BAT) for its high level of regulatory compliance, contribution to government revenue, job creation and support for local agriculture.

Adeniyi gave the commendation on Monday, 14 September 2026, during a visit to the BAT manufacturing factory in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing the facility as an example of the kind of investment required to support Nigeria’s economic diversification.

The Customs boss said he was particularly impressed by the company’s commitment to complying with relevant regulations, describing BAT’s investment as one that had delivered significant value to Nigeria.

“As a customs officer, I cannot but notice the high level of commitment to compliance. So I’m indeed very, very grateful. And I would say that this is one investment that Nigeria got right, and I wish we could have so many companies giving this kind of opportunity and giving back this much to Nigeria,” Adeniyi said.

He noted that BAT contributes to the Nigerian economy through various channels, including government revenue, employment opportunities and support for agricultural production.

According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service generates revenue from the company through customs duties on imported goods and excise duties on products manufactured locally.

Adeniyi said the company’s operations demonstrate how responsible private-sector investment can contribute to the development of the wider economy while creating opportunities for Nigerians.

He linked the visit to the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy away from dependence on crude oil and develop a non-oil, export-led economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The CGC explained that the NCS had been repositioned to support the Federal Government’s economic agenda, particularly through measures designed to facilitate and encourage exports.

He disclosed that the Service had established a dedicated command in Lagos to focus specifically on export-related activities, alongside a number of export processing terminals located in and around Lagos.

“We have established a terminal, a command that is specifically looking after issues of exports. So that’s the only thing they do in that particular command in Lagos. We have a number of exports processing terminals in and around Lagos that are tied to that command where exports are being processed,” he said.

Adeniyi also used the occasion to call on other investors operating in Nigeria to take a cue from BAT by prioritising regulatory compliance, integrity and positive community impact.

He described the BAT facility as one of the largest of its kind in Africa and urged prospective and existing investors to adopt a business approach that respects government regulations while contributing meaningfully to society.

“In terms of size, this is probably the biggest in terms of size of operation in Africa. So we invite other investors; they should take their cue from here. And as we invite them, we’re also asking them to play according to the rules, the way BAT is doing it, a company that is committed to a high level of compliance, a high level of integrity in their operations, and making a significant impact in the society where they serve,” the CGC stated.

According to him, adherence to regulations by businesses and effective support from government agencies can produce a “win-win situation” for investors and the Nigerian economy.

He said such cooperation would encourage further investment, increase government revenue, generate employment and strengthen economic activities across different sectors.

The visit also featured a tree-planting exercise by the CGC in support of BAT’s environmental sustainability initiative.

Adeniyi subsequently embarked on a guided tour of the manufacturing facility, where he inspected aspects of the company’s operations and production activities.

The engagement underscored the NCS’s emphasis on regulatory compliance, trade facilitation and collaboration with legitimate businesses as part of efforts to support economic growth and diversification.