Nigerian Breweries to Revive Imo Plant, Gifts Cassava Facility

Nigerian Breweries Plc has indicated plans to bring back to life its long-dormant Awo-Omamma brewery in Imo State as part of efforts to boost local production and economic activity in the South-East.

The company’s Managing Director, Mr. Thibaut Boidin, revealed this on Wednesday during the commissioning and handover of a newly built cassava processing plant in the Awo-Omamma community.

Boidin said the plant, designed to process two tonnes of cassava daily, is expected to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and yield an estimated annual revenue of about ₦500 million for the community.

He explained that the project aligns with Nigerian Breweries’ corporate social responsibility agenda to support rural enterprise, strengthen the local value chain, and empower young people through agricultural development.

“We see Awo-Omamma as an emerging hub for cassava processing and agro-based investment,” Boidin noted, adding that continued peace and stability in Imo State could pave the way for reopening the company’s old brewery to resume production of local brands.

In his remarks, Imo State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Barr. Rex Anunobi, commended the gesture and assured the company of government backing if it decides to restart operations at the brewery.

He highlighted recent reforms—including reduced taxation, improved road networks, and simplified business registration—as evidence of Imo’s readiness to welcome major investors.

Other Nigerian Breweries executives at the event included Supply Chain Director Mr. Federico Agressi and Corporate Affairs Director Mr. Uzo Odenigbo, alongside state officials such as Prince Eze Ugochukwu, Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment; Dr. Ikechukwu Ekeh, Special Adviser on Tourism; and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.