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.
Mr. 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 Gov. 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 Gov. 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 3 million hectolitres, making Ama Brewery the largest of our nine (9) breweries in the country”.
Mr. Essaadi told Gov. 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 6 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, Gov. 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 subnational 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, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor graced the event.
