{
  "id": 8122330,
  "title": "NBC marks 75 years, eyes stronger local growth",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/nbc-marks-75-years-eyes-stronger-local-growth",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T23:18:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nbc-marks-75-years-eyes-stronger-local-growth/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd, a Coca-Cola HBC Group member, celebrated its 75th anniversary in Nigeria, highlighting its manufacturing and local supply chain investments. The gala event, held at Abuja's Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, was attended by representatives of President Bola Tinubu. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, addressed the gathering, expressing optimism for the future, emphasizing the potential for more investment, stronger industries, better jobs, and deeper local production. NBC, which began its operations in Lagos 75 years ago, has since expanded to eight plants, 11 depots, and 52 commercial territories, contributing to job creation, local supply chains, talent development, and community investment. Anastassis David, Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC, reflected on the decision to invest in Nigeria 75 years ago, emphasizing their belief in Nigeria's potential. Recent economic impact studies revealed that the Coca-Cola system contributed approximately $1bn in value-added economic activity in 2024, employing over 160,000 people and sourcing nearly $601m in goods and services from Nigerian suppliers. Goran Sladic, Managing Director of NBC, expressed pride in the company's role in creating opportunities and developing people, vowing to build on this legacy. Coca-Cola HBC's CEO, Zoran Bogdanovic, reaffirmed the Group's commitment to Nigeria, announcing investments up to $1bn over five years, including expansions at plants in Oyo and Kano states, and a $1.25m commitment to support young entrepreneurs in the hospitality and food service sector. The Coca-Cola Foundation also pledged $1.25m to enhance sustainable water solutions for Nigerians. Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, underscored the importance of collaboration with bottling partners to create value for communities, specifically mentioning the Coca-Cola Foundation's efforts to expand access to safe water in Lagos and Abuja.",
  "summary": "Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd, a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has marked its 75th anniversary in Nigeria, with the company highlighting its investments in manufacturing and local supply chains. The anniversary was marked at a gala event held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, attended by President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Secretary Read More:…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "NBC marks 75 years, eyes stronger local growth",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/nbc-marks-75-years-eyes-stronger-local-growth-8122752",
        "published": "2026-09-17T23:20:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}