The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) has commissioned three new state-of-the-art production lines at its manufacturing facilities in Asejire, Oyo State, and Challawa, Kano State, marking a significant expansion of its production capacity as part of the Coca-Cola System’s $1 billion investment programme in Nigeria. The new facilities reinforce the company’s long-term commitment to local manufacturing, industrial growth, and economic development.
Two of the newly commissioned production lines are located at NBC’s Asejire plant in Oyo State, while the third has been installed at its Challawa plant in Kano State. The facilities are equipped with advanced bottling technology designed to improve production efficiency, product quality, and operational capacity to meet rising consumer demand across Nigeria.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, who described the investment as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. He noted that expanding industrial capacity contributes to job creation, local sourcing, and the country’s broader industrialisation agenda.
Speaking at the event, NBC Managing Director Goran Sladic said the company has remained committed to Nigeria for over 75 years, investing consistently in people, infrastructure, manufacturing capability, and local communities. He stated that the newly commissioned production lines demonstrate NBC’s confidence in Nigeria’s long-term economic potential and its intention to remain a key player in the country’s manufacturing sector.
According to the company, the expansion forms the first phase of a nationwide programme to increase production capacity across its Nigerian operations during 2026. It also supports the Coca-Cola System’s previously announced plan to invest up to $1 billion over five years, subject to a stable and enabling business environment. The company noted that it has already invested more than $1.5 billion in Nigeria over the past decade.
NBC also highlighted its contribution to the Nigerian economy, citing a 2024 socio-economic impact assessment which found that the Coca-Cola System generated approximately $1 billion in value-added economic activity and supported more than 160,000 livelihoods across its value chain. The company added that a significant proportion of its procurement is sourced from Nigerian suppliers, strengthening local supply chains and supporting domestic businesses.
Industry analysts say the commissioning of the new production lines reflects continued confidence in Nigeria’s consumer goods market despite prevailing economic challenges. Increased manufacturing capacity is expected to improve product availability, enhance supply chain efficiency, and create additional employment opportunities while supporting the Federal Government’s objective of expanding local industrial production.
The latest investment underscores the growing role of multinational manufacturers in Nigeria’s industrial development and demonstrates the importance of sustained private-sector investment in boosting economic growth, strengthening manufacturing competitiveness, and deepening local value creation.
