Mamuda Beverages Leads Landmark Expansion into Southwest Nigeria

In a major boost to industrial development in Ogun State, Mamuda Group Nigeria Limited has announced a landmark $50 million investment through its subsidiary, Mamuda Beverages. The initiative, which will unfold in multiple phases, is set to create thousands of jobs and further solidify Ogun State’s position as a top destination for investors in Nigeria.

The Chairman of Mamuda Group, Mr. Hassan Hammoud, made this known during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at the state government office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday. The visit included high-ranking executives of the group, all of whom were present to discuss investment plans and strengthen ties with the state government.

Mr. Hammoud disclosed that Governor Abiodun is expected to lay the foundation stone for the new beverage facility in the coming month, officially signaling the start of the group’s operations in the state.

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Multifaceted Investment and Massive Employment Drive

Mamuda Group, a well-established conglomerate based in Kano, operates across diverse sectors including leather, agro-processing, confectionery, beverages, detergents, and personal care products. Its expansion into Ogun is part of a broader strategy to decentralize operations and tap into the South West market.

“We have Mamuda Industries, which is our leather export factory serving markets across Europe. We also have Mamuda Agro, which manufactures agricultural sacks, Mamuda Foods for confectionery, Mamuda Beverages for carbonated soft drinks (CSD), and Mamuda Care for detergents and beauty products,” Hammoud said.

He emphasized that the initial phase of investment will focus on Mamuda Beverages, with 1,500 employees expected to be hired immediately. Upon expansion, the workforce will increase to 3,000, and the long-term goal is to mirror the company’s workforce strength in Kano, which currently stands at 13,000 employees.

Strategic Location and Business Appeal of Ogun State

Hammoud commended the Ogun State government for creating a business-friendly environment, describing the state as the best destination for investors looking to scale operations.

“His Excellency has made the environment so attractive, you wouldn’t want to miss out. The market is huge. Lagos is on one side, and you have the Ibadan-Benin axis on the other. If we want to effectively serve the South West, then we must produce here,” Hammoud said, highlighting the state’s strategic location and competitive advantage.

Governor Abiodun: Ogun Ready for Global Business

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting and retaining investments by prioritizing ease of doing business. He stated that Ogun State is working continuously to climb higher on global business competitiveness rankings.

According to the governor, the state has made significant strides in industrial development infrastructure, citing the recent completion of Nigeria’s best-equipped airport, strategically located within an industrial zone. He also noted that Ogun State is leading among the six licensed industrial zones in Nigeria in terms of activity and implementation.

Abiodun added that his administration’s Business Environment Council has played a pivotal role in boosting investor confidence and streamlining bureaucratic processes for new and existing enterprises.

Dry Port to Ease Import Burden

A notable highlight of the governor’s remarks was the announcement that the state is set to commence construction of a dry port, licensed by the Federal Government. This development, he said, would alleviate logistical bottlenecks faced by businesses reliant on imports.

“Today, we have an airport, and we are licensed for a dry port, which we’ll start building soon. It’s located right on the rail line, so when you start importing raw materials, you won’t need to go through Lagos anymore. You can clear them at the dry port, saving both money and time,” Abiodun said.

He emphasized that the port’s integration with the rail network will significantly reduce demurrage and enhance operational efficiency for manufacturers like Mamuda Group.

The partnership between Mamuda Group and Ogun State is poised to be mutually beneficial. For the company, it offers access to a large market, proximity to key economic hubs, and a favorable business environment. For Ogun, it brings job creation, industrial diversification, and increased economic activity.

As the first foundation stone for Mamuda Beverages is set to be laid next month, all eyes will be on Ogun State as it continues to cement its place as Nigeria’s industrial heartbeat.