Ugwuanyi’s commitment to investments, security exceptional, says new NBL boss
(Nigeria) The new Managing Director, MD, of Nigerian Breweries Plc, NBL,
Mr Hans Essaadi, has expressed delight at the commitment of the administration
of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State to the protection of lives and
promotion of investments in the state, describing it as exceptional.
Essaadi, who led the management team of the pioneer and
largest brewing company in Nigeria (NBL) to the Government House, Enugu, on a
maiden courtesy call on Governor Ugwuanyi, stressed that “we are happy to note
that Enugu State has progressively remained secure and peaceful under your
leadership.”
The NBL boss thanked the governor for “your unwavering
support in providing an enabling environment for our business to thrive”,
pointing out that “this is reflected by the immense support we enjoy from your
esteemed self as an invaluable bridge builder in establishing a sustainable relationship
between us and our host community and more recently your remarkable
intervention in the reopening of the Tiger Bar.”
Assuring Governor Ugwuanyi that “we are committed long term
investors in the state”, the NBL MD disclosed that the company has been part of
the story of industrial growth in Enugu State since 2003, adding that “over the
years, we have grown the brewing capacity at our facility to three million
hectolitres, making Ama Brewery the largest of our nine breweries in the
country.”
Mr Essaadi told Governor Ugwuanyi that the company took a
decision in 2019 to embark on a major capacity expansion and structural upgrade
of its facilities to 4.8 million hectolitres in the first phase because of the
milestone achievements they have recorded at the Ama Brewery as well as “the
peaceful operating environment in the state under your leadership.”
He revealed that NBL will subsequently upgrade the brewery
to an ambitious capacity of six million hectolitres in the second phase with a
total capital investment of N56 billion, saying: “Your Excellency, I look
forward to inviting you as our Special Guest of honour as we mark the
completion of the expansion in 2022.”
Speaking further the MD said: “Your Excellency, the
tremendous support we enjoy from you gives us great confidence to continue to
invest in our operations and expand our commercial footprints in Enugu State.
“Let me close by taking the opportunity of this visit to
congratulate you and the great people of the state on your 30th anniversary
celebration. We are pleased to remain formidable partners in executing the
laudable vision of your administration.
“Our corporate social investments in the areas of women and youth empowerment, access to potable water, healthcare, sports development, and most recently our support to the state in the fight against COVID-19 speak for themselves.”
Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi who welcomed the new MD of NBL
and his entourage to the Government House, Enugu, acknowledged with
appreciation the organization’s corporate social investments in the state as
well as its planned expansion of operational capacity to consolidate its
leadership of the Nigerian beverage market through enhanced market share.
Highlighting the inherent benefits of the brewing company's
business expansion to the government and people of Enugu State, the governor
assured the new management of NBL of his administration’s willingness,
preparedness and readiness to support the project all the way.
“We have adequate developable land, willing youthful
workforce, safe and secure environment, favourable policies and regulatory
framework, friendly tax regime and, most importantly, we parade the credential
of best state in Ease of Doing Business in South East Nigeria and second most
improved state in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria as well as the third best
state in Ease of Starting a Business in Nigeria following the 2018 World Bank
Ease of Doing Business sub-national ranking.
“Your decision to further your investment in our state is,
therefore, a decision well made. We are indeed happy and ready to win with
Nigerian Breweries Plc”, the governor said.
The Deputy Governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo and the Chief of Staff to
the Governor, Dr Festus Uzor graced the
event.
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