Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu have inaugurated the Kimberly-Clark Nigeria’s state-of-the-art premium diaper brand, Huggies and leading sanitary pad brand- Kotex’s new factory facilities estimated at $100 million at Odugunyan in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The new plant was inaugurated in Ikorodu, Lagos, in furtherance of Kimberly-Clark’s vision of providing better care for a better world.

The new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is equipped with enhanced technology and capabilities to better serve its consumers.

Operations at the facility commenced in the final quarter of the 2021, but the official inauguration date was scheduled for later in compliance with the company’s COVID-19 pandemic regulations and guidelines for hosting gatherings.

The exceptional event was attended by note-worthy dignitaries, including the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibnajo, SAN; Governor Sanwo-Olu; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu represented by Ms. Zamba; Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Otunba Richard Adebayo; Hon. Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Hon. Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Federal House of Representatives member (Ikorodu Constituency), Hon. Babajimi Benson; U.S. Consul General, Claire Pierangelo; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Engineer Mansur Ahmed; and CEO, American Business Council, Margaret Olele among other special dignitaries.

Prof. Osinbajo, who lauded the multimillion-dollar investment as being strategically aligned with the present administration’s drive for domestic production and human capital development, said Kimberly-Clark West Africa has grown from just being an investor in Nigeria to a formidable partner in the actualisation of Nigeria’s economic objectives, by adding value through diversification.

“The company has led commendably important social investments, including, sponsoring the education of the dream catchers, who danced here, just a few moments ago. This factory, I trust, will only signal the beginning of greater investment in this and other sectors,” he quipped.

In addition to enhancing the company’s manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing demand for quality and safe baby care and essential feminine products, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria’s new facility would contribute to already established efforts to improve livelihood and create job opportunities, especially for the Ikorodu community.

Recognising members of the female-led management team, whom he called Amazons, the Governor Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged its importance for the Ikorodu community.

He said, “We are excited and happy with the value to Ikorodu and its environs. We are taking up the challenge to ensure an enabling environment for investors to thrive, and bring succour to the people of Ikorodu.

“And so, I want to join everyone to thank and congratulate Kimberly-Clark for this great feat. As a government, we will continue to open up and continue to give opportunities to everyone.”

The U.S. Consul-General, Claire Pierangelo, also commended the company’s investment in the country and reiterated the pride at its fulfilled promise and achievements despite the challenges associated with business during and after the pandemic.

In 2019, the company had communicated its plans to shut down its factory, following a strategic review of its business model.

It was explained that the factory closure would allow the company to be more flexible to invest in growth opportunities and compete effectively in Nigeria.

“Now, less than two years later, Kimberly-Clark is fulfilling its promise,” Pierangelo said.

The acting Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Kimberly-Clark, Middle East and Africa, Fernando Baticon, said,
“Nigeria is one of our top priority markets. This is one of our most substantial investments on the continent to increase and strengthen our presence here.

“Our new state-of-the-art mill is a symbol of our commitment to this country and the opportunity for growth that exists.”

Also recognising the efforts of the company’s strategic partner, Multipro (part of the Tolaram conglomerate), Baticon thanked the representatives of the company present.

The facility spans an impressive 14,800m² area of a total land plot of 86, 000m². In addition to being symbolic of Kimberly-Clark’s vision for growth in Nigeria, it is already delivering high-quality essential hygiene and personal care products, using best-in-class production assets.

Kimberly-Clark began operations in Nigeria in 2012, with the introduction of Huggies diapers into the Nigerian market in 2015 and Kotex sanitary pads in 2019.

It continues to create impact not only through high quality and affordable products but also through associated initiatives such as She-Sabi, which is geared towards improving the lives of young girls in secondary schools, and the Huggies hospital sampling programme, which reaches expectant mothers with key information about how to help babies stay healthy and comfortable.

General Manager, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, Vani Malik, reiterated the company’s commitment to investing in the country’s socio-economic development and growth, saying “It has been our long-term objective to strengthen our organisation’s presence and investments in Nigeria, and today, almost 10 years on, with over $100 million in FDI, we are proud to unveil our new factory here in Ikorodu, Lagos.

“Employing over 200 people, it will not only help us serve Nigeria better, but also allow us to serve as an export hub for Africa in the near future. As an important step forward in our commitment to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, we look forward to continued success and support.

“We remain committed to the implementation of Nigeria’s national roadmap for industrialisation – to create jobs, substitute imports and boost exports. This is a symbol of our commitment to our global vision of providing better care for a better world. In Nigeria, we fulfill that vision by supporting babies, women, mothers and young girls.”

During the ceremony, the management team at Kimberly-Clark announced the company’s intention to grant scholarships to 20 girl students of the popular Ikorodu talent-raising NGO, Dream-Catchers Academy.

It noted that this charitable move, which was lauded by stakeholders present at the event, reiterated the company’s commitment to providing better care for a better world.

Bringing the event to a close, Government Relations Manager, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, Zainab Obagun, emphasised the company’s gratitude to stakeholders for their strong partnerships, evidenced in their presence.

“We, at Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, continue to look forward to continuing partnerships with our distributors, manufacturers, various economic and political stakeholders and most especially our consumers. We are assured of steady growth because of the valuable relationships we have built over the years. We thank our partners for the commitment and look forward to more with them by our side.”

Kimberly-Clark is committed to investing in its status as a world-class local manufacturer and promises to continue to provide Nigerian consumers with top quality essential hygiene and personal care products.