Ultimum Limited Commissions New Beverage Plant in Nigeria’s Aba, Boosting Regional Industry
ULTIMATE Limited, a fast-growing food and beverage manufacturer, has officially opened a new production facility in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. The commissioning of the modern beverage plant marks a significant investment for the company and the Kadji Group, aiming to produce and distribute its Razzl brand of carbonated soft drinks across Nigeria.
Located within the Osisioma Industrial Layout, the facility will manufacture four Razzl variants: Pamplemousse (grapefruit flavour), Cola, Orange, and Lemon. The company states the plant is designed to meet high-quality production standards and will serve as a hub for its “Refreshing Nigeria” mission, focusing on affordable products with broad market access.
The project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment, support local suppliers, and strengthen regional supply chains across Nigeria’s South-East and South-South zones. Ultimum Limited also announced plans for eventual nationwide distribution.
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, attended the commissioning and hailed the investment as evidence of renewed economic confidence in the state. “What we are witnessing here today is not just the opening of a factory, but the return of belief in our economy,” Governor Otti stated. He linked the development to ongoing state efforts to improve infrastructure and create a stable environment for business, adding that investor interest follows regions offering clarity and opportunity.
Mr. Whalen Kadji, Chairman of Ultimum Limited and representative of the investor group, emphasized a long-term commitment to the region. “We came because of the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of Aba,” Mr. Kadji said. “This plant is an investment in people, in jobs, and in the growth of local industry.” He noted that Aba’s historical status as a centre of enterprise influenced the decision to locate the plant there.
Mr. Austin Ufomba, Managing Director of Ultimum Limited, described the facility as a platform for innovation and excellence. “This plant sends a strong message that Nigeria can produce at global standards,” he said, highlighting its role in creating youth opportunities and contributing to continental economic growth.
The development is positioned as a case study in public-private partnership driving industrial regeneration. Once a major Nigerian manufacturing hub, Aba has faced economic challenges in recent decades. The new plant is cited as a milestone that leverages improved infrastructure to attract large-scale industry, potentially catalyzing further investment in the region.
Ultimum Limited’s entry into beverage production with the Razzl brand introduces a new competitor in Nigeria’s carbonated soft drink market. The company’s strategy combines product diversification with localised manufacturing, aiming to capture market share through affordability and distribution depth. The successful operation of this plant could pave the way for further expansion of the Ultimum Limited portfolio in the Nigerian food and beverage sector.
