Why Ogun State is important to Nestlé Nigeria’s operations

Nestle Nigeria PLC, a key player in the Nigerian market for close to 60 years, has identified Ogun State as a strategic location for its investments and operations. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa’s Christycole Popoola on the sidelines of the Ogun State Investors’ Forum, Mauricio Alarcon, the Managing Director and CEO of Nestle Nigeria, shed light on the significance of Ogun State to the company's growth strategy. Alarcon highlighted the pivotal role of August 8 for Nestle Nigeria, emphasizing the state's critical pillar status with two major factories employing close to a thousand workers. He expressed the company's commitment to leveraging platforms such as investors' forums to articulate improvement opportunities and contribute to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. Nestle Nigeria's substantial investments in Ogun State, totaling around 64 billion Naira out of 74 billion Naira over the past five years, underscore the company's confidence in the state's potential and conducive business environment. Alarcon underscored the importance of stability and a favorable relationship with the government in facilitating Nestle Nigeria's significant investments in Ogun State. The recent launch of the Milo ready-to-drink factory in the state with an investment of approximately 4 billion Naira exemplifies Nestle Nigeria's commitment to expanding its product offerings and market reach. Alarcon commended Ogun State's business-friendly policies, which have facilitated Nestle Nigeria's operations and reinforced the state's appeal to investors. He emphasized the ease of doing business in Ogun State and the pioneering opportunities it offers, citing Nestle Nigeria's early establishment of factories in locations such as Agbara and Shagamu. With a significant portion of its workforce hailing from Ogun State, Nestle Nigeria has been successful in engaging local talent and contributing to the state's socio-economic development. Alarcon noted the importance of continuous collaboration and innovation to drive progress and unlock new investment opportunities in Ogun State and Nigeria. As a seasoned investor, Alarcon advised the state government to prioritize sustained engagement and follow-up actions post-forum to enhance investor confidence and attract further investments. He stressed the need for ongoing dialogue, proactive initiatives, and a forward-looking approach to consolidate gains and propel Ogun State's growth trajectory. Alarcon's parting message resonated with the theme of proactive collaboration and sustained momentum, underscoring Nestle Nigeria's long-term commitment to Ogun State's development and prosperity.