$110m Fine: BATN Restates Commitment to Comply with Nigeria’s Laws, Makes Payments

Dike Onwuamaeze

The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has clarified that it has paid the fine imposed on it and its affiliates by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and declared that it “remains committed to operating in compliance with the laws of Nigeria.”

BATN made this clarification yesterday in a public statement titled: ‘BATN’s Response to the FCCPC Fine’.

The statement reads: “In response to recent reports regarding the FCCPC decision, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) wishes to clarify its position as follows:

“BATN previously disclosed the investigation mentioned by the FCCPC in its year-end 2022 Annual Report and most recently in our Half-Year Report for the six months to 30 June 2023.

“In December 2022, the FCCPC entered into a consent order, terminating the mentioned investigation and associated proceedings. British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited and British American Tobacco Marketing (Nigeria) Limited have made payments to settle the penalty.

“BAT Nigeria acknowledges the mentioned monitorship and awareness campaigns and has cooperated fully with the FCCPC’s appointed service providers. BAT remains committed to operating in compliance with the laws of Nigeria.”