Multinational food manufacturer GBfoods has strengthened its commitment to Nigeria’s food industry with the launch of a state-of-the-art N5.5 billion ($14.5 million) factory for Bama Mayonnaise in Sango, Ogun State. This facility, hailed as the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing investment in Nigeria’s food security and industrial growth.
This development comes after GBfoods inaugurated a N20 billion ($52 million) tomato processing plant in Kebbi State in 2020. These successive investments reflect a strong belief in Nigeria’s potential as a manufacturing and export hub for the West African sub-region.
Setting a New Standard for Mayonnaise Production
The new facility is dedicated to the production of Bama Mayonnaise using its original 80-year-old recipe. Official production began in April 2020, serving both the local market and positioning Nigeria as a key distribution center for neighboring countries. This localization strategy not only reduces dependency on imports but also ensures consistent access to affordable, high-quality food products.
The launch of the new factory coincided with a refreshed look for Bama Mayonnaise. The updated packaging retains the brand’s iconic colors while introducing a quality stamp that reinforces its rich taste and smooth texture. “Bama is a trusted symbol of love with consumers,” said Cletus Onyebuoha, Marketing Director at GBfoods Africa. “Each scoop is made with all-natural extracts, proteins, and healthy oils, delivering the premium quality our customers know and love.”
A Catalyst for Jobs and Local Development
Beyond manufacturing, the new plant is a driver of local economic growth. The factory has generated over 300 direct jobs and has created ripple effects in the surrounding communities through supply chain and service partnerships. By integrating global standards with local talent, GBfoods is helping to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing base.
Vincent Egbe, Managing Director for GBfoods Nigeria, emphasized the long-term vision behind the project: “Our growth and expansion plans for Nigeria are long-term, and this investment is a testament to the industrial and infrastructural advancement we’re contributing to the country and the continent.”
The plant supports Nigeria’s broader strategy of achieving food self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on foreign food imports. With government policies increasingly favoring local production, this move also shields the company from potential import restrictions and positions its products competitively in the market.
Deepening Roots in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector
This new investment builds on GBfoods’ earlier partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Kebbi State Government, which led to the development of a major tomato processing facility. That plant supports local farmers and provides raw materials for popular brands like Gino, as well as inputs for Bama and Jago mayonnaise products.
Through these efforts, GBfoods is not only expanding its footprint but also reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in Africa’s food supply chain. According to Vicenç Bosch, CEO of GBfoods Africa, “Our focus was to ensure we meet demand not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. This facility is part of a broader mission to develop local capacity and deliver quality food products to African consumers.”
Investing in the Future of Food
GBfoods’ investments represent more than just factory construction—they are long-term bets on Nigeria’s economic resilience, human capital, and regional influence. The Bama Mayonnaise plant in Ogun State stands as a symbol of what’s possible when global expertise meets local opportunity.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize food security and industrial development, such projects play a vital role in shaping a sustainable and self-reliant future for the country and the region.
Would you like a condensed version for social media or email newsletters as well?
UphivaBETAR
Joseph Busari
