BAT Nigeria has called for deeper regulatory alignment, policy consistency and stronger public-private collaboration to strengthen trade and investment flows between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at BAT Nigeria, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, stated this during a Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting themed, ‘UK–Nigeria Trade Corridors: Enhancing Bilateral Trade Flow, Aviation Connectivity & Investment Mobility’.
According to a statement, the meeting brought together policymakers, regulators and private sector leaders to discuss ways of improving trade efficiency and investment mobility between both countries.
Speaking during a panel session on policy, finance and investment mobility, Erewa-Meggison said competitiveness in the global economy now depends on efficiency, transparency and predictability across trade systems.
Erewa-Meggison said stronger collaboration between the government and the organised private sector was necessary to address persistent bottlenecks within Nigeria’s trade and logistics ecosystem.
“She highlighted the critical role of public-private collaboration in addressing persistent bottlenecks within Nigeria’s trade and logistics ecosystem, noting that stronger engagement between government and the organised private sector is essential to bridging implementation gaps, particularly in standards alignment and regulatory compliance,” the statement read.
The BAT executive added that integrating private sector expertise into policy execution will improve implementation because businesses possess operational experience and practical insights.
Erewa-Meggison also called for coordinated national awareness campaigns to ensure exporters understand regulatory requirements in international markets.
“She noted that inconsistent packaging and labelling standards across markets continue to drive delays, increase costs, and weaken competitiveness, while inadvertently creating opportunities for illicit trade,” the statement further read.
On Nigeria’s investment climate, Erewa-Meggison described the country as a high-potential market because of its population, entrepreneurial capacity and long-term growth prospects.
She, however, noted that investor confidence remains affected by policy unpredictability, foreign exchange volatility and infrastructure deficits.
“She emphasised that policy consistency and regulatory certainty are essential to unlocking sustained investment, expansion, and job creation,” the statement added.
Speaking on trade corridor efficiency, Erewa-Meggison urged stakeholders to move beyond policy discussions to practical implementation.
“She identified key priorities including faster and more predictable port clearance processes, improved aviation and cargo connectivity, reduced supply chain bottlenecks, and stronger inter-agency coordination,” the statement added.
Erewa-Meggison reaffirmed BAT Nigeria’s commitment to compliance, transparency and sustainability, noting that the company sees itself as a partner in shaping frameworks that support long-term economic growth.
