Nestlé opens new CHF 87 million factory in Nigeria

Nestlé has opened a new state-of-the-art factory in Nigeria reinforcing its commitment to Africa.

With an investment of CHF 87 million (NGN 12 billion), the Flowergate factory in Nigeria’s Ogun state will be firstly dedicated to the production of Maggi products, and more particularly in Popularly Positioned Products (PPP) varieties of the brand.

Nestlé’s PPPs are adapted to meet the specific needs of emerging consumers in terms of price, accessibility, format and nutritional benefits, which are important for the future growth of Nestlé’s operations in Nigeria.

At the official opening ceremony, Nestlé Chief Executive Officer Paul Bulcke was joined by Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON; Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Governor of Ogun State; and Frits Van Dijk, Executive Vice President for Nestlé and Zone Asia, Oceania, Africa and Middle East.

Mr Bulcke explained the factory’s significance and said: “Nestlé has been operationally present in Nigeria for 50 years, bringing meaningful value to society at large by sourcing locally, creating new local employment, offering nutritious products and helping in the further development of the region.

“By opening our new facility in Ogun State we will be closer to our consumers and can better adapt our products to their needs and preferences. This latest investment is proof of our commitment to Africa in which we will invest CHF 1 billion over the next two years.”

With this new 12-hectare factory, Nestlé will double its production of culinary products in Nigeria and meet the growing need for Maggi products, plus other countries in the Central and West African Region.

As Nestlé’s 27th factory in Africa, it will offer jobs to 180 people and indirect jobs to hundreds more.

In addition, the factory also has potential for the production of other Nestlé products in the next phase of future expansion.

Etienne Benet, Head of Nestlé Central & West Africa Region; Martin Woolnough, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria; and Dr Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland in Nigeria; also attended the event.

Mr Woolnough emphasised the factory’s effect on the region and added: “Today is a major milestone in the history of Nestlé in Nigeria and we are proud to see that our operations in Nigeria are not only measurable in length of time, but more importantly, also by our positive impact on our stakeholders and our positive visible impact on the Nigerian industrial landscape.”

Facilities under Nestlé Nigeria also include the Agbara Manufacturing Complex and the Otta distribution centre. Employing around 3,300 people, Nestlé in Nigeria offers brands such as Milo, Nido, Pure Life, Nescafé and Cerelac.

Nestlé Nigeria comes under the Nestlé Central and West Africa Region which includes eight factories and employs around 5,500 people.