Governor of Abia state Alex Otti has officially commissioned a new $35 million ultra-modern beverage production facility in Aba, marking a significant milestone in the state’s drive to reclaim its status as a premier industrial hub in West Africa.
The facility, owned by Ultimum Beverages Limited—a subsidiary of the Kadji Group—is located within the Osisioma Industrial Layout. The plant currently produces the “Razzl” brand of carbonated soft drinks and represents an initial investment that is projected to scale to $100 million as the company expands its footprint in the region.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Otti described the project as a “validation” of his administration’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business. He noted that the factory was established in just 10 months, attributing the speed of execution to the state’s focus on restoring critical infrastructure, including road networks and security within the industrial clusters.
“This investment is a clear signal to the global business community that Abia is open for business,” Otti stated. “Our role as a government is to provide the enabling environment—the power, the roads, and the security—that allows capital to thrive and create jobs for our people.”
The plant is expected to generate hundreds of direct jobs for Abia residents, ranging from technical engineering roles to administrative and distribution positions. Beyond direct employment, the facility is set to stimulate the local value chain, benefiting regional logistics providers and raw material suppliers.
Mounir Elsarky, the CEO of Ultimum Beverages, commended the state government for its proactive support, noting that the choice of Aba was strategic due to its historical importance as a commercial nerve center and its proximity to key markets in the South-East and South-South regions.
The commissioning follows a series of recent industrial milestones in the state, including the flag-off of the 140-hectare Aba Commercial Smart City and ongoing efforts to revitalize the Aba Mega Mall into a specialized manufacturing park for the garment and footwear sectors.
