According to a report by Dailytrust on December 28, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) issued a statement stating that it had paid a government fine of US$110 million.
Previously, the FCCPC disclosed in a statement that since August 28, 2020, the Commission has conducted an investigation into British American Tobacco and its affiliates and obtained forensic analysis of electronic communications and other information/data. A great deal of evidence was collected.
The adjudicative portion of the investigation is as follows:
“In accordance with section 155 of the FCCPA, as well as Article 11 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s Administrative Penalties Regulations 2020, and Article 4.2 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s Investigation Cooperation/Assistance Rules and Procedures 2021, British American Tobacco Relevant Parties shall Pay a $110 million fine."
However, BAT responded to the incident in a statement, revealing that the fine had been paid.
The statement said, "British American Tobacco has disclosed the investigation mentioned by the FCCPC in its 2022 annual report and its most recent half-year report on June 30, 2023. In December 2022, the FCCPC reached a consensus ruling on this investigation and related procedures, and has The aforementioned investigation and related procedures have been terminated. The company has paid the corresponding fines."
"BAT acknowledges the surveillance and advocacy activities referred to and has fully cooperated with the FCCPC designated service providers and is committed to complying with Nigerian law."
