Customs CG commends BAT’s revenue contribution, job creation, agricultural support and commitment to regulatory compliance
By Chioma Vivian James
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has commended British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria for what he described as a strong commitment to regulatory compliance, revenue generation, employment creation and support for local agricultural production.
Adeniyi made the commendation on Monday, September 14, 2026, during a visit to BAT’s manufacturing facility in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he inspected the company’s operations and manufacturing processes.
The Customs chief described the facility as an important example of the kind of private-sector investment capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification and strengthening the country’s non-oil economy.
He said he was particularly impressed by the company’s approach to regulatory compliance and its contribution to the Nigerian economy.
“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.
According to him, BAT contributes to the economy through multiple channels, including government revenue, employment opportunities and support for agricultural production.
He explained that the Nigeria Customs Service derives revenue from the company through customs duties on imported goods as well as excise duties on products manufactured locally.
Adeniyi said the company’s operations demonstrate the potential impact of responsible private-sector investment when businesses comply with regulations while creating value for the wider society.
Driving Nigeria’s Non-Oil Economy
The Customs boss linked his visit to the Federal Government’s broader efforts to diversify the Nigerian economy away from excessive dependence on crude oil and strengthen non-oil production and exports.
He said the NCS had been repositioned to support the Federal Government’s economic agenda, particularly through policies and structures aimed at facilitating legitimate trade and encouraging exports.
Adeniyi disclosed that the Service had established a dedicated command in Lagos focused specifically on export-related activities, supported by export processing terminals located in and around the city.
“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 export processing terminals in and around Lagos that are tied to that command where exports are being processed,” he said.
He noted that strengthening export infrastructure and simplifying legitimate trade processes would be important to Nigeria’s efforts to expand its economic base and increase the contribution of non-oil sectors.
A Call for Responsible Investment
Adeniyi also urged investors and businesses operating in Nigeria to emulate what he described as BAT’s approach to regulatory compliance, integrity and positive community impact.
Describing the BAT facility as one of the largest of its kind in Africa, the Customs chief encouraged prospective and existing investors to respect government regulations while ensuring that their operations contribute meaningfully to the communities and economy in which they operate.
“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,” he said.
He added that investors should “play according to the rules,” stressing that businesses that maintain high standards of compliance and integrity could build stronger relationships with regulatory authorities while contributing to national development.
Building a Win-Win Partnership
The Customs chief said effective cooperation between government agencies and compliant businesses could create what he described as a “win-win situation” for investors and the Nigerian economy.
According to him, such collaboration could stimulate additional investment, improve government revenue, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic activities across different sectors.
The visit also featured a tree-planting exercise by Adeniyi in support of BAT’s environmental sustainability initiative, highlighting the growing importance of environmental responsibility alongside industrial and economic development.
The Customs boss thereafter embarked on a guided tour of the manufacturing facility, inspecting various aspects of the company’s production and operational processes.
The engagement further highlighted the NCS’s emphasis on regulatory compliance, trade facilitation and constructive engagement with legitimate businesses as part of efforts to promote investment, strengthen domestic production and support Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
