99 years in Nigeria: The El-Khalils and the Seven-Up legacy

99 Years in Nigeria - The El-Khalils and the Seven-Up Legacy

-SPECIAL FEATURE-

In the annals of Nigerian enterprise, few family names resonate with the same enduring legacy as the El-Khalils.

Their journey, spanning nearly a century, is not merely a tale of business success but a narrative of migration, resilience, and generational stewardship.

This report delves into the remarkable story of the El-Khalil family and their iconic contribution to Nigeria’s industrial landscape through the Seven-Up Bottling Company.

The saga begins in 1926, when Mohammed El-Khalil, a Lebanese immigrant, arrived in Nigeria in search of opportunity. His voyage, which had taken him from Ottoman-ruled Lebanon to the hardships of Mexico and then through Marseille, culminated in a fateful recommendation from a Lebanese couple: “You must go to Nigeria, you will find gold on the sides of the streets.” That advice would mark the genesis of a legacy that would intertwine with Nigeria’s own national journey.

Mohammed El-Khalil began modestly, trading textiles in Lagos. His determination and business acumen soon saw him expand into road transportation by 1927, establishing what would become the largest privately owned transport company in West Africa.

Despite his growing success, Mohammed remained deeply connected to his Lebanese roots, returning home to marry and raise a family of eight children, many of whom were born in Nigeria. This dual identity, rooted in Lebanon but flourishing in Nigeria, would become a defining feature of the El-Khalil legacy.

By the late 1950s, with his eldest son Anwar returning from studies abroad, Mohammed initiated a strategic pivot from trading and transport into manufacturing. This shift laid the foundation for the Seven-Up Bottling Company, which officially began operations on October 1, 1960, the same day Nigeria gained independence. This coincidence imbued the company with a symbolic connection to the nation’s post-colonial aspirations.

Faysal El-Khalil, Mohammed’s son, took over as Managing Director in 1978 and led the company until 2005. Under his stewardship, Seven-Up grew into one of Nigeria’s most recognized consumer brands.

Today, the company is helmed by Sari El-Khalil, Mohammed’s grandson, who serves as Managing Director, while Faysal remains Chairman of the Board. Their leadership was recently spotlighted during a fireside chat at the 2025 Family Business Summit, organized by PwC and BusinessDay, where they shared insights into the family’s business philosophy and governance.

Sari’s personal journey mirrors the company’s deep Nigerian roots. Raised in Lagos, he recalls childhood days spent around bottling plants and delivery trucks, absorbing the rhythms of the business firsthand. Even during summers in Lebanon, he would return to Nigeria to work on the trucks, embracing the company’s operations from the ground up. After earning a degree in Boston and gaining corporate experience at PepsiCo abroad, Sari returned to Nigeria, not out of obligation but with a renewed sense of purpose and ownership.

Yet, the El-Khalil story is not solely about commercial triumphs. It is also a testament to the complexities of family governance. Following the passing of Mohammed, the family grappled with questions of succession, meritocracy, and sustainability. Faysal recounted how the eldest brother, who succeeded their father, became a “second founder” but struggled with relinquishing control. This prompted the family to draft a “family constitution”, a comprehensive framework outlining governance structures, leadership succession, retirement protocols, and eligibility criteria for family involvement in the business.

As Seven-Up Bottling Company celebrates 65 years of operation and the El-Khalils mark 99 years in Nigeria, their story stands as a beacon of how immigrant enterprise, when rooted in integrity, vision, and adaptability, can become an integral part of a nation’s economic and cultural fabric.

The El-Khalils have not only built a business empire but have also contributed to shaping the narrative of modern Nigerian industry.