British American Tobacco Nigeria has appointed Ruth Owojaiye as its new Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs as the company moves to strengthen governance, regulatory engagement and sustainable business practices.
In a statement released by the company, BAT Nigeria said Owojaiye would oversee government relations, public policy, sustainability, stakeholder engagement and corporate communications in her new position. Before the appointment, she served as Head of Regulatory Engagements for BAT West and Central Africa.
Speaking on the appointment, Managing Director of BAT Nigeria, Yarub Al-Bahrani, described Owojaiye as a seasoned professional with the experience needed to navigate the evolving regulatory environment.
“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,” he said.
According to the company, Owojaiye will play a major role in protecting BAT Nigeria’s operational interests, strengthening corporate reputation and driving the company’s environmental, social and governance priorities.
Reacting to her appointment, Owojaiye expressed optimism about working closely with stakeholders across sectors to encourage balanced regulation and constructive engagement.
“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.
BAT Nigeria noted that Owojaiye brings more than 20 years of experience across manufacturing and consulting, with expertise in taxation, public policy, legal and regulatory compliance, and external affairs.
Before joining BAT Nigeria, she held senior roles at Nigerian Breweries Plc, including Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager and Group Tax Manager. She was also involved in the merger between Nigerian Breweries Plc and Consolidated Breweries Plc and contributed to major tax appeal tribunal cases and tax holiday approvals.
She also previously worked at KPMG Nigeria, where she handled tax advisory services and supported multinational consumer brands entering the Nigerian market.
Owojaiye holds a Law degree from the University of Ilorin, where she graduated as the best student in 2003. She later obtained a Master of Laws degree from University of Pretoria in 2007 and earned an MBA from Lagos Business School, graduating as the best student in 2025.
She is also a member of 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.
The company added that Owojaiye remains committed to mentoring and supporting the development of young professionals within and outside the organisation.
