The Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), a leading consumer-packaged goods manufacturer, has celebrated the graduation of 69 trainees from the 27th edition of its renowned Supply Chain Academy, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment and industrial growth. The event, held at NBC’s Ikeja Plant in Lagos, drew key stakeholders from government, industry, and the local community.
Founded in 1996, the NBC Supply Chain Academy has evolved into a cornerstone of technical and leadership development in Nigeria’s beverage industry. Over nearly three decades, the Academy has trained 1,460 young people, with more than 920 employed within NBC. Notably, 94 graduates have advanced to senior roles, including one Plant Manager, reflecting the Academy’s impact on shaping future leaders for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The program recruits top Ordinary National Diploma (OND) graduates from polytechnics across the country and also supports NBC employees with targeted training. Each year, more than 1,100 staff benefit from specialized courses designed to strengthen skills and boost productivity across the business.
Trainees undergo a rigorous curriculum that combines classroom instruction with practical learning. They engage with mini production lines, driver simulators, and safety behaviour modules while accessing state-of-the-art facilities such as a digital learning lab, library, medical clinic, and canteen.
Speaking at the ceremony, NBC Managing Director Goran Sladic described the Academy as a flagship initiative in the company’s broader strategy for human capital development and industrial capacity building.
“The Supply Chain Academy reflects our vision to create lasting value for Nigeria. Our investment in people, technology, and infrastructure goes beyond business, it empowers communities, strengthens local talent, and embeds sustainability across our operations,” Sladic said.
He commended the graduating class for their innovation, particularly their ‘Smart Traffic Light’ project, which replaces traditional convex mirrors with a safer, more efficient system designed to improve workplace safety.
Government and industry leaders, including Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, and Onigbongbo LCDA Chairman, Adebanjo Moyosore, applauded NBC for bridging Nigeria’s industrial skills gap and investing in the next generation of talent.
Delivering the valedictory speech, graduate Anosike Miracle expressed gratitude to NBC, the trainers, and the Ikeja Plant leadership, while urging his peers to use their skills to inspire others.
“Success is not always about being number one; it is about consistency, passion, and staying true to our values. As we step forward, we must carry the lessons learned, the friendships built, and the values instilled in us to guide and mentor future generations,” he said.
With this milestone, NBC has once again underscored its role in preparing young Nigerians to drive innovation and competitiveness in the nation’s manufacturing industry.
