The sustained efforts by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led administration in providing infrastructural development, ensuring peace, enhancing security of lives and property in Enugu state, has led to the plan of Nigerian Breweries Plc to expand its operational capacity in the state through the introduction of a multi-billion naira business project.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, disclosed this August news when he led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on Governor Ugwuanyi at the Lion Building, Government House Enugu.
Bel who said that the plan was awaiting the approval of the Board, assured that he is highly optimistic about the implementation of the project.
He commended the governor of Enugu State for the numerous accomplishments of his administration which he said has provided the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
According to the NB Plc boss, the network of roads constructed by his administration within and around their host communities at 9th Mile Corner, Udi Local Government Area and the enabling business environment in the state made it possible for the planned expansion, which he expressed optimism will be approved by the company’s board.
Bel’s word, “Permit me to, on behalf of Nigerian Breweries Plc, congratulate you on your re-election for a second term as the Executive Governor of Enugu state. The trust expressed in you by Enugu state citizens through their votes is in appreciation of the various infrastructural developments in Enugu state brought about by your administration during your first term.
“We have heard so much about your unalloyed support for our business operations in Enugu State, right from your first day in office. How you put a complete stop to youth restiveness ranging from the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to community challenges. And how you upgraded and opened up the road network around our business premises in Ama. We can only continue to say thank you to Your Excellency, for your unequalled good work you are doing for socio economic benefit of the businesses and citizenry of Enugu state.
“It is worthy of note, that your regime has been a blessing to our business operations more especially to the people of Enugu State. The road network you weaved in and around our Ama brewery remains unprecedented.
“Nigerian Breweries Plc is the foremost Breweries in Nigeria producing and marketing high quality beverages. We are a socially responsible corporate organization with good track records of corporate social initiatives in identified and strategic areas. Over the years, the company has supported the country’s development aspirations in line with our Winning with Nigeria commitment.
“Our footprint in the East dates back to 1957, when Aba Brewery commenced production and brewing of Star Lager beer. And since then, Nigerian Breweries Plc have taken the Eastern part of Nigeria as home having noted their hospitable nature, hard work, doggedness and commerce inclined. Hence in 2003, Ama Brewery, was established as the biggest brewery in West Africa. So the bond and relationship between Nigerian Breweries Plc and the East dates back to 1957, which is 62 years old.
“Your Excellency, we have come with good tidings, the very good business environment you created and still creating is about to attract a new investment running into billions of naira to Enugu State, and to be precise, Ama Brewery. We are about to start the immediate expansion of Ama Brewery capacity, from 3mhls to 6mhls. We are imminently expecting final approval from our parent company to commence work. The project is broken down into two phases, the first phase will be commissioned in quarter 1/2021, while the second phase will come later. All the phases will be commissioned during your second term in office.
“And as a Socially Responsible Corporate organization, with a good track record of impactful intervention in identified strategic areas, Nigerian Breweries has over the years been very active in supporting Nigeria’s development aspirations in line with her vision of “Winning with Nigeria”. NB Plc corporate social responsibility agenda is driven within the HEINEKEN-wide sustainability initiatives – “Brewing a Better World.
“In all, I will like to commend you for the peace and security which this state has enjoyed under your administration. I will like to say that this enabling environment you have created has, in turn, enabled our business to grow to the extent that we have been able to start the procedure for expansion of our Brewery”.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi who formally welcomed Mr. Bel and his entourage to the Government House, Enugu, described the business relations between the state government and the company as “mutually rewarding experience”.
The governor expressed delight at the proposed expansion, stating that it will generate more employment, create wealth and improve tax revenue of the state.
While assuring the MD of his administration’s unflinching support, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the state government has done a lot to make Enugu State a destination of choice for credible investors. He said that his administration through continuous “heavy investments” in our security architecture and peace initiatives, has demonstrated its untiring commitment in providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
According to him, “Enugu State, under my watch, has transited from its 2014 World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking as 27th out of 37 States (including FCT, Abuja), to an enviable ranking as the second State in Ease of Starting Business and third State in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria in the 2018 World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking. For this feat, Enugu State was honoured on 3rd April, 2019 by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council at Abuja.
“On behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, I assure you that Enugu State is ready and conducive for phase two capacity expansion project of Ama Brewery as envisaged. Your decision to further your investment in our state is a decision well made. We are, indeed, happy and ready to win with Nigerian Breweries.
The high point of the event was presentation of award to the management of Nigerian Breweries Plc by the Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Emeka Odo, for being update to date in the payment of tax.
