NBC Commissions Three New Production Lines, Reaffirms $1bn Investment in Nigeria

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has commissioned three new state-of-the-art production lines at its Asejire plant in Oyo State and Challawa plant in Kano State as part of the Coca-Cola System’s $1 billion five-year investment programme in Nigeria. The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, and marks the first phase of a nationwide capacity expansion programme planned for 2026.

The two new production lines at the Asejire plant and the additional line at the Challawa facility are equipped with advanced bottling technology aimed at increasing production capacity and strengthening NBC’s nationwide manufacturing footprint. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of NBC, Goran Sladic, said the investments reflect the company’s long-term confidence in Nigeria’s economy. He noted that NBC has remained committed to investing in people, infrastructure, manufacturing and communities throughout its 75-year history in the country, adding that the new facilities demonstrate what can be achieved under an enabling business environment.

Sladic explained that the latest expansion builds on more than $1.5 billion invested in NBC’s Nigerian operations over the past decade and forms part of the Coca-Cola System’s plan, announced in 2024, to invest up to $1 billion over the next five years, subject to a predictable policy environment. He added that further production capacity additions are planned across NBC’s plants nationwide during 2026.

Highlighting the company’s economic impact, NBC cited a 2024 socio-economic study by Steward Redqueen, which showed that the Coca-Cola System generated $1 billion in value-added economic activity and supported more than 160,000 livelihoods across its value chain. The study also found that the company sourced goods and services worth $601 million from Nigerian suppliers in 2024, underscoring its contribution to local manufacturing and supply chain development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Enoh described NBC’s 75-year presence in Nigeria as a testament to the country’s industrial potential. He said companies that continue to expand their production capacity, strengthen local supply chains and create employment are helping to shape Nigeria’s industrial future. As part of the celebration, NBC also unveiled a limited-edition 75th Anniversary commemorative product label, symbolising the company’s longstanding relationship with millions of Nigerian consumers.