The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has commended British American Tobacco (BAT) for its regulatory compliance and its contribution to Nigeria’s economy, and he wants other investors to follow the company’s example.

Adeniyi gave the commendation on Monday, 14 September 2026, during a visit to BAT’s manufacturing factory in Ibadan, Oyo State. He said the facility represents the kind of investment the country needs to drive economic diversification.

“As a customs officer, I cannot but notice the high level of commitment to compliance. So I’m indeed very, very grateful,” he said. “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.”

The Customs boss noted that BAT contributes to government revenue through several streams while also creating jobs and supporting local agriculture. Customs earns from the company through import duties and excise duties on goods manufactured in the country.

Adeniyi tied the visit to the Federal Government’s push for a non-oil, export-led economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Nigeria Customs Service had repositioned itself to support that policy.

“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. “We have a number of exports processing terminals in and around Lagos that are tied to that command where exports are being processed.”

He urged other investors to emulate BAT’s model of compliance, integrity and community impact.

“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. “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.”

He said the approach would create a “win-win situation,” promoting investment, raising government revenue, creating employment and strengthening the wider economy.

During the visit, Adeniyi also took part in a tree-planting exercise in support of BAT’s environmental sustainability initiative, and went on a guided tour of the factory.