Management of Nigerian Breweries Plc,
on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit on the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and commended him for his developmental strides in the state “which has provided the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state”.
Director/Chief Executive Officer, NB Plc, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, who led the delegation, also commended Ugwuanyi for the existing peace in Enugu State, the roads network constructed within and around their host communities at 9th Mile Corner, Udi Local Government Area and sustained efforts in enhancing security of lives and property.
He intimated the governor of the company’s plan to expand its operational capacity in Enugu State through the introduction of a multi-billion naira business project, subject to the approval of the Board.
According to him, the governor’s commitment to peace and security, the enabling environment provided for business made it possible for the planned expansion, which he said will be approved by the company’s board.
“I will like to express our gratitude for the work you have done in the network of roads around the Brewery, specifically the roads leading to the Ama Brewery. I would also like to commend you for the enabling environment you have created in this state, especially the way you have been able to address the civil unrest by the communities around the Brewery.
“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, Ugwuanyi described the business relations between the state government and the Nigerian Breweries as mutually rewarding experience.
He expressed delight at the proposed expansion, saying that it will generate more employment, create wealth and improve tax revenue of the state.
The governor assured the MD of his administration’s unflinching support to the company, disclosing 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 the security architecture and peace initiatives, has demonstrated its untiring commitment in providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
Ugwuanyi said: “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,” he stated.
