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The Federal Government has declared that British American Tobacco, Nigeria Limited, along with its affiliated entities, is set to face a substantial penalty of $110 million for various infringements. This announcement was made by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in an official statement released on Wednesday via its designated platform, X page.
The FCCPC revealed that the penalty stems from a protracted investigation into the alleged transgressions committed by British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited and its connected organizations. In a bid to conclude the matter, the Commission withdrew pending criminal charges against BATN and at least one employee accused of obstructing an inquiry, as part of the Consent Order.
It is noteworthy that the FCCPC initiated a thorough inquiry into British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited and its associated entities, collectively referred to as BAT Parties, on August 28, 2020. Acting on credible information related to BAT's alleged infringements, the FCCPC obtained an Order and Warrant from the Federal High Court.
Executing a coordinated effort, on January 25, 2021, the Commission carried out simultaneous searches and seizures at various locations linked to BAT Parties, including a service provider. The outcome of these actions has now culminated in the imposition of a substantial $110 million penalty on British American Tobacco, Nigeria Limited, and its affiliated entities.
