Uzodimma Pushes for Reopening of ‘33’ Brewery as Nigerian Breweries Unveils ₦500m Cassava Plant in Imo

Governor Hope Uzodimma has urged Nigerian Breweries Plc (NBL) to revive its shuttered “33” Brewery in Awa-Omamma, saying the Imo State Government is ready to resolve any issues standing in the way of its reopening.

The appeal was delivered on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Rex Anunobi, during the commissioning of a two-ton-per-day cassava processing plant built by NBL as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Uzodimma described the continued closure of the brewery — inactive for more than two years — as a major economic loss for the state and its host communities.
“Whatever concerns led to the shutting down of the brewery here should be resolved so this giant establishment can come back to life,” Anunobi said. “Imo State Government will partner with you to overcome the challenges.”

The newly inaugurated cassava facility is projected to generate ₦500 million annually for Awa-Omamma and boost employment opportunities for local youth.

NBL Managing Director and CEO, Thibaut Boidin, hailed the plant as a “transformative initiative” that aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to economic empowerment, education, healthcare, clean water access, security and community development.

“Beyond the infrastructure, the true impact lies in the livelihoods this facility creates,” Boidin said, adding that the project positions Awa-Omamma as a major cassava processing hub in the Southeast.

Traditional ruler Eze Val Amanfo received the keys to the facility and pledged that the community would safeguard it and ensure its optimal use.

The governor’s call for the reopening of the “33” Brewery adds fresh momentum to broader efforts aimed at reviving industrial activity and strengthening partnerships between government, investors, and host communities in Imo State.