Adeniyi Hails BAT Compliance, Urges Investors to Embrace Business Model

By Stella Okocha 

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has commended British American Tobacco (BAT) for its high level of regulatory compliance, investment and contribution to Nigeria’s economy, urging other investors to adopt similar standards.

Adeniyi gave the commendation on Monday, September 14, 2026, during a visit to the BAT manufacturing facility in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing the investment as an example of the type of productive enterprise capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification.

The Customs boss said the company’s operations demonstrated that businesses could achieve commercial success while complying with regulatory requirements and contributing to their host communities.

“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,” Adeniyi said.

He noted that BAT contributes to government revenue through different channels, including customs duties on imported inputs and excise duties on goods manufactured locally.

Beyond revenue generation, Adeniyi said the company’s operations had created employment opportunities and supported local agriculture, thereby contributing to economic activity beyond its immediate manufacturing operations.

Adeniyi linked his visit to the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the Nigerian economy and develop a stronger non-oil, export-led economic base under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the Nigeria Customs Service had been repositioning its operations to facilitate exports and support businesses seeking to access international markets.

According to him, the Service had established a dedicated export-focused command in Lagos, alongside several export processing terminals, to streamline the processing of goods destined for overseas markets.

“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 explained that the export-focused infrastructure was part of efforts to make the Customs Service more responsive to the needs of legitimate businesses and support the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.

Adeniyi urged other investors to take a cue from BAT by prioritising compliance, integrity and positive community impact.

He said businesses that operated transparently and complied with applicable regulations could contribute simultaneously to private-sector growth and national development.

“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 Customs CG said adherence to regulatory requirements could create a “win-win situation” for businesses and government by encouraging investment, boosting public revenue, creating jobs and strengthening the wider economy.

During the visit, Adeniyi also participated in a tree-planting exercise in support of BAT’s environmental sustainability initiative and toured the company’s manufacturing facilities.

The visit underscored the Customs Service’s stated emphasis on stronger engagement with compliant businesses as part of efforts to improve revenue mobilisation, facilitate legitimate trade and support Nigeria’s broader economic development objectives.