Adeniyi Applauds BAT’s Compliance, Urges Investors to Follow Suit
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, 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 standards.
Adeniyi made the commendation on Monday, September 14, 2026, during a visit to BAT’s manufacturing facility in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he described the company’s operations as an example of the type of investment capable of supporting economic diversification.
The Customs boss said BAT had demonstrated a strong commitment to regulatory compliance while contributing to government revenue, employment generation, local agriculture and community development.
“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 explained that the company contributes to government revenue through various channels, including customs duties on imported inputs and excise duties on products manufactured locally.
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Adeniyi said the visit was also in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to promote a non-oil, export-led economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the NCS had repositioned its operations to facilitate exports and support economic growth.
“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.
The CGC urged other investors to draw lessons from BAT’s approach to compliance, integrity and corporate responsibility, stressing that businesses could contribute significantly to national development while operating within the law.
“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 were expected to “play according to the rules,” citing BAT as an example of a company that had maintained a high level of compliance and integrity while making a significant impact in the communities where it operates.
According to him, adherence to regulations would foster a “win-win situation” between businesses and the government by encouraging investment, increasing public revenue, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the wider economy.
During the visit, Adeniyi also participated in a tree-planting exercise as part of BAT’s environmental sustainability initiative and toured the company’s manufacturing facility.
By PRNigeria
