The company announced the appointment of Ruth Owojaiye as Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, positioning her at the centre of its government relations, public policy engagement, sustainability agenda, stakeholder management, and corporate communications strategy. In her previous role, she served as Head of Regulatory Engagements for BAT West and Central Africa, where she was involved in cross-market policy coordination and regulatory interface.
Explaining the rationale behind the appointment, Managing Director of BAT Nigeria, Yarub Al-Bahrain, highlighted her experience and suitability for the evolving demands of the industry.
He said, “Ruth’s appointment reflects our continued commitment to strengthening our leadership in regulatory engagement, corporate governance, and sustainable business practices. Her depth of experience, strategic insight, and proven ability to navigate complex policy environments make her well-positioned to lead our Corporate and Regulatory Affairs function at a critical time for our business and the industry.”
Focus on Governance, Reputation and ESG Priorities
In her new capacity, Owojaiye will be responsible for safeguarding the company’s operating environment, enhancing corporate reputation, and driving its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. The role is also expected to deepen BAT Nigeria’s engagement with regulators and policymakers as the business navigates an increasingly complex compliance landscape.
The company noted that her appointment aligns with its broader objective of strengthening institutional trust and maintaining what it described as its “licence to operate” in a highly regulated sector.
Speaking on her elevation, Owojaiye emphasized collaboration and constructive dialogue with stakeholders across sectors.
“I am honoured to assume this role at such a pivotal time for business, regulation, and sustainability. I look forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders across sectors to promote balanced regulation, deepen engagement, strengthen constructive dialogue and support a business environment that enables mutually beneficial outcomes for government and business and long-term value creation,” she said.
Two Decades of Cross-Sector Regulatory and Tax Expertise
Owojaiye brings more than 20 years of professional experience spanning manufacturing, consulting, taxation, and public policy. Her career includes significant work in regulatory compliance, external affairs, and legal frameworks shaping fast-moving consumer goods and emerging product categories both in Nigeria and internationally.
Before joining British American Tobacco Nigeria, she held senior roles at Nigerian Breweries Plc, where she served as Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager and Group Tax Manager at Nigerian Breweries Plc. During her tenure, she contributed to major corporate milestones, including the merger involving Consolidated Breweries Plc, and participated in landmark Tax Appeal Tribunal cases, as well as securing tax holiday approvals.
She also worked at KPMG Nigeria, where she led tax advisory engagements and supported multinational consumer brands entering the Nigerian market, strengthening her profile in regulatory advisory and corporate taxation.
Strong Academic and Professional Credentials
Her academic background reflects a consistent record of excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ilorin, where she graduated as best student in 2003. She later obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Pretoria in 2007, before completing an MBA at Lagos Business School, where she again graduated as best student in 2025.
She is also affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Mentorship and Leadership Development Commitment
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, BAT Nigeria noted that Owojaiye remains actively involved in mentoring young professionals within and outside the organisation, reinforcing a broader commitment to leadership development and talent growth across the sector.