Industrialisation is gathering pace in Nigeria. In Abia State, a new state-of-the-art factory is bolstering the local economy. Behind this major investment is the Kadji Group, through its subsidiary Ultimum Limited.
The Ultimum Limited beverage plant, situated in the Osisioma industrial zone of Aba, signifies a powerful surge in industrial activity for Nigeria’s southeast. Operating at full capacity, this modern brewing facility represents an investment of nearly $100 million, making it one of the country’s most advanced in the sector. The strategic decision to locate in Aba, a major commercial hub, was driven by the vitality of the Ariaria market—a significant regional economic driver—and the extensive opportunities available within a market of over 220 million people, further expanded by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Yeah, we dreamt of industries, we dreamt of factories, we dreamt of opportunities. Today, with this plant, that dream is now a reality. Aba is not just a city, Aba is a spirit. A city defined by resilience, enterprise, creativity. If you want to build something great in Nigeria, you go where the energy is.”
AUSTIN UFOMBA, Managing Director, Ultimum Limited – Nigeria
Beyond the physical infrastructure, Ultimum Limited is fostering a complete economic ecosystem. This development has already generated hundreds of direct jobs and is expected to create thousands more in related sectors such as distribution, logistics, and services. Furthermore, local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are benefiting from new opportunities in supply, transport, and maintenance. By boosting local production, Ultimum Limited directly supports the Nigerian authorities’ objective of economic diversification and helps to reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
“This multi-million dollar— I don’t like to talk about money— facility will produce brands we are proud of and bring to this market. Razzl Cola, Razzl Orange, Razzl Lemon, Razzl Van Clemousse, and our Kik energy drink. But more than beverages, this represents partnership. With strategic allies who carry our products, logistic partners who move it with care, and a retail network already over 20,000 retailers.
It represents jobs, hundreds of jobs, direct employment, and thousands of indirect opportunities across our value chain. It represents confidence. Confidence that global quality manufacturing can thrive here in Aba.”WHALEN KADJI, Chairman of Ultimum Limited, Investors’ Representative – Cameroon
The Kadji Group, a powerful strategic player already well-established in Central Africa, is now extending its influence to West Africa through this project. This investment, supported by the Abia State authorities, includes vital improvements to road and energy infrastructure, which directly benefit the local population. In a nation actively seeking alternatives to oil dependence, this industrial plant’s significance goes beyond its immediate function. It powerfully demonstrates the increasing importance of African investors in driving the continent’s structural transformation and embodies the aspiration for sustainable, inclusive, and sovereign growth.
