Ultimum plant signals jobs boost, supply chain expansion

Nigeria’s push to deepen local manufacturing and unlock regional growth gained fresh momentum as Ultimum Limited commissioned a state-of-the-art beverage production plant in Aba, Abia State, in a move expected to create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and stimulate economic activity across the South-East and South-South regions.

The facility, located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, marks a significant expansion for the fast-growing food and beverage company and its parent investor group, as it scales production of its Razzl range of carbonated soft drinks, including Pamplemousse, Cola, Orange, and Lemon variants.

Beyond boosting output, the new plant is positioned as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, with ripple effects expected across logistics, retail distribution, packaging, and local sourcing networks. Industry operators say such investments are critical at a time Nigeria is seeking to rebuild its industrial base, reduce import dependence, and create employment opportunities for a fast-growing population.

Speaking at the commissioning, Alex Otti, Abia State governor, described the investment as a clear signal that investor confidence is returning to the state, driven by ongoing reforms and improvements in the business environment.

“Aba is alive again. What we are witnessing here today is not just the opening of a factory, but the return of belief in our economy,” he said, noting that investors are increasingly responding to clarity, stability, and opportunity created by policy actions.

The plant is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment, while also supporting a network of small and medium-scale enterprises that provide inputs, services, and last-mile distribution. Analysts note that manufacturing hubs such as Aba have historically played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s informal and formal economies, and renewed investment could help reposition the city as a leading industrial cluster.

Whalen Kadji, chairman of Ultimum Limited, said the company’s decision to invest in Aba was driven by the city’s long-standing entrepreneurial culture and strategic importance as a commercial hub.

“We did not come here by chance. This is an investment in people, in jobs, and in the growth of local industry. We believe strongly in the future of this city and Nigeria,” he said, adding that the project reflects a long-term commitment to building sustainable operations in the country.

Austin Ufomba, managing director, described the plant as a milestone in the company’s ambition to produce globally competitive products within Africa, while also expanding opportunities for local communities.

“This facility is more than infrastructure. It is a platform for innovation, job creation, and excellence. It sends a strong message that Nigeria can produce at global standards,” he said.

The commissioning comes amid a broader shift toward decentralised industrial growth, with subnational governments competing to attract private capital through infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms. In Aba, improved road networks and a renewed focus on industrial development are beginning to draw manufacturing investments back to the city, long regarded as a centre of enterprise.

With plans to expand distribution nationwide, Ultimum’s entry into the beverage market also signals intensifying competition in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector, where pricing, accessibility, and local production are becoming key differentiators.

For the South-East economy, however, the immediate impact lies in the strengthening of supply chains and the creation of new economic linkages, factors that could help drive more balanced regional development and support Nigeria’s broader industrialisation agenda.