The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has commended British American Tobacco (BAT) for its high level of regulatory compliance and contribution to Nigeria’s economy, urging other investors to adopt similar business practices.
Adeniyi gave the commendation on Monday, September 14, 2026, during a visit to BAT’s manufacturing facility in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Customs boss described the facility as an example of the type of investment capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification and strengthening the non-oil sector.
“As a customs officer, I cannot but notice the high level of commitment to compliance,” Adeniyi said, describing BAT as “one investment that Nigeria got right.”
He said the company contributes to government revenue through various channels, including customs duties on imports and excise duties on goods manufactured locally.
According to him, BAT’s operations also contribute to the economy through job creation and support for local agriculture.
Adeniyi said the visit was consistent with the Federal Government’s efforts to develop a non-oil and export-led economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He added that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had repositioned its operations to facilitate exports and support the Federal Government’s economic objectives.
“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,” he said.
The CGC noted that the NCS also operates several export processing terminals in and around Lagos to facilitate the processing of goods for export.
Adeniyi urged other investors to take a cue from BAT by maintaining high standards of compliance and integrity while contributing meaningfully to the communities where 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 stressed that adherence to regulations and responsible business practices could create a “win-win situation” for investors and the Nigerian economy through increased investment, government revenue, employment and broader economic development.
During the visit, Adeniyi also participated in a tree-planting exercise as part of BAT’s environmental sustainability initiative and toured the manufacturing facility.
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