Okin Biscuits, one of Nigeria’s longstanding biscuit brands, has announced the resumption of production after 17 years of inactivity at its factory in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The development marks the return of a brand that was once widely known across Nigeria before its factory ceased operations following years of financial, operational and business challenges. Recent reports had indicated that rehabilitation work at the facility was underway, with the company preparing to return to the market.
According to the company, restoring the production line required extensive reconstruction because several critical components had been removed or damaged during the years the factory remained inactive.
The affected equipment included cables, frequency drives, contactors, motors and other electronic components. The company said these components had to be replaced or rebuilt as part of the rehabilitation of the production line.
The company has now confirmed that biscuits are rolling off one of its rehabilitated production lines, signalling the beginning of a new phase for the historic brand.
The revival follows rehabilitation efforts involving the Kwara State Government and private-sector investors. Earlier reports said modern production equipment was being installed at the facility ahead of the planned restart.
Okin Biscuits was established in 1980 by the late Chief Emmanuel Olatunji Adesoye, an industrialist whose investments helped make Ijagbo an important manufacturing centre in Kwara State.
At its peak, the company was among Nigeria’s recognised biscuit manufacturers, with its products distributed to consumers across the country.
However, the factory eventually shut down, with reports attributing its difficulties to a combination of operational problems, financial pressures, intense competition and the challenging business environment.
The prolonged closure affected workers and businesses that depended on the factory, particularly in Ijagbo and neighbouring communities.
The reopening is therefore being viewed as more than the return of a familiar consumer brand, with expectations that renewed production could create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the area.
The company has also indicated that its revival involves re-engineering the production process to reflect current manufacturing realities.
As part of the re-engineering strategy, Okin Biscuits said it is converting its diesel-fired burners to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in an effort to reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and strengthen the sustainability of its operations.
The move is significant given the high cost of energy faced by Nigerian manufacturers.
The return of Okin comes at a time when Nigeria’s biscuit market has become increasingly competitive, with local and international brands competing for consumers. Industry observers have therefore noted that the company will need to combine modern production, competitive pricing, effective distribution and consistent quality to regain market share.
For many Nigerians, however, the return of Okin Biscuits is also likely to carry a strong nostalgic appeal, particularly among consumers who remember the brand from childhood.
The company’s revival could provide a fresh opportunity to reconnect that legacy with a new generation of consumers while contributing to local manufacturing and employment.
With production now underway, attention will turn to the company’s ability to sustain operations, expand distribution and successfully compete in Nigeria’s changing consumer market.
