Okin Biscuits Factory in Offa Nears Restart as Rehabilitation Hits 90%

Okin Biscuits is closer to returning to Nigerian shelves after 17 years out of production. Rehabilitation of its factory in Offa, Kwara State, is now 90 percent complete.

Kunmi Alalade, a representative overseeing the resuscitation, disclosed the progress during an inspection of the factory site in Ijagbo, Offa Local Government Area. The latest development marks significant progress from August 2026, with major work completed on the factory’s physical structures and production equipment.

New LPG tank and reconnected electricity

A newly installed 30-ton Liquefied Petroleum Gas tank is one of the biggest additions. It is designed to power the factory’s ovens. According to Alalade, the LPG facility will complement the electricity supply already reconnected to the factory as preparations intensify for production.

He said a test run showed the rehabilitation was progressing faster than initially scheduled.

“When we did the test run, we were on target and on schedule. In fact, we’re ahead of schedule,” Alalade said.

He explained that the immediate priority was to restore the buildings and equipment to a condition suitable for full-scale manufacturing.

Former workers return, new hires expected later

The revival is being spearheaded by the children of the company’s late founder and chairman, Chief Emmanuel Adesoye. Although a new management team has yet to be constituted, some former employees have been brought back to support the rehabilitation.

Alalade said experienced workers, including welders, were particularly important because of their knowledge of the factory and its machinery.

“Yes, we are currently using some of the old staff because of experience and then institutional memory; we need them to be able to put things together,” he said.

New employees are expected to be recruited closer to the commencement of full production. The development could eventually create employment opportunities in Offa and surrounding communities once operations resume.

Alalade said the company had maintained the necessary regulatory registrations and documentation required for its operations.

Tax relief appeal to Kwara government

He appealed to the Kwara State government for incentives that could ease the financial burden of restarting the factory after nearly two decades. He said tax breaks and temporary relief from some levies would help the company manage loans and other financial commitments incurred during the rehabilitation.

“A lot has gone into this. There will be loans, there will be other financial commitments,” he said, urging the government to consider the company’s situation holistically.

The company also thanked residents of Ijagbo and Offa, as well as Nigerians who have shown interest in the revival of the factory. Alalade said the company intends to meet consumers’ expectations by producing quality biscuit brands and varieties when full operations eventually resume.

Separate solar mini-grid for Oke-Oyi

The Federal Government commissioned a new solar-powered mini-grid in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of efforts to improve electricity supply to underserved communities.

The 581kWp solar facility is supported by a 1.4MW battery energy storage system (BESS). It is expected to provide electricity to about 1,800 households and businesses in the community.

For consumers, the Okin rehabilitation points to the possible return of a familiar Nigerian biscuit brand after 17 years. For Offa and nearby communities, full operations could create local jobs and support small businesses in the supply chain.