British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria has called on policymakers to take decisive action in implementing forward-looking reforms that can unlock the nation’s manufacturing export potential and position it as a competitive force in the evolving global trade arena.
Speaking at the inaugural Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) High-Level Think Tank Session in Ibadan, BAT West and Central Africa’s Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, warned that without agile, growth-driven policies, Nigeria risks falling behind in a rapidly shifting economic landscape. Her remarks were delivered by Ruth Owojaiye, BAT WCA’s Head of Regulatory Engagements.
Erewa-Meggison stressed that global trade is undergoing a transformation marked by digitalisation, supply chain disruptions, and stricter climate regulations. For developing economies, she said, keeping pace with these changes is not optional.
“We need agile policies that stimulate growth, remove bottlenecks, and unlock the competitiveness of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector,” she urged.
A Track Record of Export-Driven Impact
Citing BAT Nigeria’s own history, Erewa-Meggison showcased what strategic investment and the right business environment can achieve. In 2003, the company invested over $185 million to establish a state-of-the-art factory in Ibadan, envisioned as a manufacturing hub for West and Central Africa.
Today, that facility exports to 13 countries, including the United States, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange and creating thousands of jobs in logistics, packaging, warehousing, and port operations.
Persistent Barriers to Growth
While acknowledging government progress in infrastructure and regulatory reforms, Erewa-Meggison identified persistent challenges — high energy costs, congested ports, and the overall cost of doing business — as critical constraints holding back the manufacturing sector.
She called for targeted policy reforms, including:
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Streamlining export processes through digitalisation
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Expanding investment in energy and transport infrastructure
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Reforming trade finance access for SMEs
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Developing industrial clusters to drive production efficiency
She further urged policymakers to integrate green and digital standards into industrial policy to align with global competitiveness benchmarks and to maintain continuous monitoring of global trade policy shifts.
“A supportive policy environment is not a one-off achievement. It must evolve with the global landscape. Now is the time for Nigeria to act decisively to secure its place in future manufacturing export value chains,” she declared.
Building a Roadmap for Industrial Transformation
The MAN Think Tank Session brought together top industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to design a strategic advocacy plan aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity and driving industrial growth.
Reaffirming its commitment, BAT Nigeria pledged to continue championing policies that promote non-oil exports, strengthen manufacturing, and contribute to a more prosperous economic future for the country.
