By Nick Yashi

The Mambilla Beverages Nigeria Limited, producers of the renowned Highland Tea and Highland Green Tea has recorded a significant financial breakthrough, posting a profit of over ₦117 million in the past five months alone as well as increasing  its share capital from ₦500,000,000 to ₦1,000,000,000.

This was disclosed during a press briefing by the acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakar Hamidu Kara and the Board Chairman who doubles as the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Kara outlined a series of bold initiatives that have repositioned the company for sustainable growth and long-term profitability which include: capital base expansion, savings on emoluments, internally generated revenue, structural reforms, improved industrial relations and technology-driven financial management. 

"Within the period under review last year, the company’s salary bill was ₦164,172,786.96. But on assumption of office, Dr. Kara introduced biometric attendance capture system across all company farms, an initiative that streamlined payroll processes, curbed fraud; thereby dropping the salary bill to ₦143,514,407.82; saving the company over ₦20 million on salaries despite implementing the new national minimum wage.

"Beyond tea production, the company has diversified its revenue streams by leveraging its guest house facilities, which have become a reliable source of additional income, generating ₦1,052,897.14 within the period under review.  

"Efforts are ongoing to revise the company’s initial subscriber structure by replacing individual shareholders with government institutions, thereby ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and institutional support.

"The Company has achieved a new era of industrial harmony by addressing long-standing labour issues, fostering open communication, and maintaining regular engagement with all stakeholders.

"With the introduction of cutting-edge financial technologies, Mambilla Beverages has enhanced transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring of its finances, " Kara stated.

The Managing Director also revealed an increased daily tea production capacity from 4,500kg to an impressive 15,000kg, which is due to "the revitalization of its tea plantations and operational overhaul declared as a "state of emergency" initiative upon his appointment".

The company is also projecting a profit of ₦250 million by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.

According to Kara, staff welfare has been prioritized with the prompt payment of salaries, implementation of new wage standards, and provision of incentives to motivate employees and boost productivity.

While reacting to the recent rumour about a terminated partnership with a Kenyan tea company, Dr. Kara described the reports as false and misleading. He affirmed that Mambila Beverages Nigeria Limited continues to maintain all relevant international collaborations, including its long-standing cooperation with Kenyan firms. 

He therefore thanked the Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, for sponsoring a high powered delegation from the State to Kenya early this year to consolidate the partnership and collaboration.