Adeniyi Commends BAT’s Compliance, Urges Investors to Emulate Its Model

By Adebola Muili

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has commended British American Tobacco (BAT) for its strong regulatory compliance and contribution to Nigeria’s economy, urging other investors to emulate the company’s business model.

Adeniyi gave the commendation on Monday, September 14, 2026, during a visit to the BAT manufacturing factory in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing the facility as an example of the type of investment needed to drive economic diversification.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, September 17, 2026, by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada.

The CGC said BAT’s operations demonstrated how businesses could contribute to national development through regulatory compliance, job creation, support for local agriculture and revenue generation.

“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 the company contributes to government revenue through multiple streams, explaining that the Service generates revenue from BAT through customs duties on imports and excise duties on goods manufactured within the country.

Adeniyi also linked the visit to the Federal Government’s drive to build a non-oil, export-led economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had repositioned itself to support the policy.

He said the Service had established a dedicated command in Lagos to handle export-related activities, alongside a number of export processing terminals where Nigerian products are processed for export.

“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 Customs boss further urged investors to emulate BAT’s approach to compliance, integrity and community impact, saying businesses should operate within the rules while contributing positively to the society 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,” Adeniyi said.

He added that investors were expected to maintain a high level of compliance and integrity in their operations while making a significant impact in their host communities.

According to him, such an approach would create a “win-win situation” for investors and Nigeria by promoting investment, increasing government revenue, creating employment and strengthening the wider economy.

As part of the visit, the CGC participated in a tree-planting exercise in support of BAT’s environmental sustainability initiative and also embarked on a guided tour of the factory.