NBC commissions three new production lines, reaffirms $1bn investment in Nigeria

The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) has commissioned three new production lines at its Asejire plant in Oyo State and Challawa plant in Kano State as part of the Coca-Cola System’s planned $1 billion investment in Nigeria over the next five years.

The new facilities, comprising two production lines in Asejire and one in Challawa, were inaugurated during a ceremony attended by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh.

According to the company, the production lines are equipped with advanced bottling technology and are expected to strengthen its manufacturing capacity while expanding its footprint across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, NBC Managing Director, Goran Sladic, said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, where it has operated for 75 years.

“NBC has been part of Nigeria’s growth story since 1951. We have continued to invest in people, infrastructure, manufacturing and communities across the country. These new production lines demonstrate our confidence in Nigeria and our commitment to remaining part of the country’s future,” he said.

Sladic noted that the latest expansion marks the first phase of a nationwide programme that will see additional production capacity introduced across NBC’s plants before the end of 2026.

He added that the development builds on more than $1.5 billion invested in the company’s Nigerian operations over the past decade and forms part of the Coca-Cola System’s broader investment plan announced in 2024.

Highlighting the company’s economic impact, NBC cited a 2024 socio-economic study by consulting firm Steward Redqueen, which found that the Coca-Cola System generated $1 billion in value-added economic activity and supported more than 160,000 livelihoods across its value chain in Nigeria.

The study also showed that the company sourced goods and services worth $601 million from Nigerian suppliers in 2024, underscoring its contribution to local businesses and supply chains.

In his remarks, Enoh described NBC’s 75-year presence in Nigeria as evidence of sustained confidence in the country’s economy.

“When an established company deepens its capacity, expands its local supply chains and creates more opportunities for Nigerians, it is contributing to the country’s industrial development,” the minister said.

As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, NBC also unveiled a limited-edition commemorative product label to mark its seven and a half decades of operations in Nigeria.