Nigeria Breweries Restates
Commitment To Nigerian Economy
· .............commissions N18billion New Ultra-Modern Aba
Brewery Expansion
In order to reinforce its firm
commitment toward the economic development of Nigeria and its people through
direct investment, Nigerian Breweries Plc, foremost brewer of quality brands
has commissioned the new ultra-modern Aba Brewery Expansion in Aba, Abia State.
The expansion gulped N18 billion.
The event, which was also a
reflection of the company’ relationship with the government and people of the
State, was attended by the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck
Jonathan, represented by Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga,
the Governor of Abia State Chief Theodore Orji, member of the House of
Representative representing Aba North and South, Hon. UzorAzubuike, Secretary
to the State Government, Commissioners, Service Chiefs, Traditional Rulers and
key distributors.
Speaking at the event, the
President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, disclosed that, Nigerian Brewery has restated
its unshakable resolve to power and support the economic developmental goal of
Nigeria with the investment of N18 billion through the expansion of the Aba
Brewery. He stated that it is also a clear indication that Nigeria and Abia
State is safe for business having created over 279, 000 direct and indirect
employment for Nigerians which include 250 farmers. Eighty Five (85%) per
cent of this, he added, is attributed to production. He was represented by the
Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga who commissioned the plant
on his behalf.
President Jonathan commended the
Management of the company for the laudable project, saying this cannot be taken
away from what contributed to the listing of the company as one of the top one
hundred companies in Nigeria in 2014. “The project is also a reflection of our
future as a Nation.” He added.
In his remarks, the Governor of Abia
State, Chief Theodore Orji, stated that the project shows a perfect partnership
between the government and private investors owing to the tangible achievement
of his administration in fighting insecurity in the State.
He enjoined the people of the State
to continue to support the company as this expansion of their investment in the
state will enhance direct and indirect employment, increase revenue generation
to local, state and federal governments, while further assisting in the
improvement of the standard of living of the people.
In his comments, Chairman of the
company, Chief Kola Jamodu, stated that the expansion project reflects the
company’s bold confidence, not only in Abia State and the entire Eastern
Nigeria but in Nigeria as an investment destination. “Our company started
business in 1946 in Lagos as Nigeria’s first brewing company. In 1949, the
first bottle of Star beer was produced. Aba Brewery was commissioned in 1957
and today starts another milestone in our company’s socio-economic
developmental journey with Eastern Nigeria.”
He added that over the years the
company has been very active in supporting Nigeria’s national development
aspirations. This is exemplified by its continuous identification and response
to major challenges confronting the Nigerian nation through corporate social
investments, especially in the areas of education, environment, water, youth
empowerment, talent development and sports, amongst others.
“Our socio economic impact report
shows that in 2013 alone, the value added by Nigerian Breweries to the Nigerian
Economy stood at N292 billion value added or 0.4 per cent of GDP. N98billion or
0.1per cent of GDP out of this stood as direct support. Our company supported
279,000 jobs directly and indirectly. The above indicated value added and
employment supported by Nigerian Breweries, more than 85% jobs can be directly
attributed to our company’s production and local procurement activities.”
The Managing Director, Mr.
NicolaasVervelde, pointed out that as Nigeria’s pioneer and leading brewing
company, the commissioning is, in a sense, an opportunity to showcase another
example of Nigerian Breweries Plc’s long-standing and continuing commitment to
‘Winning with Nigeria’ through“our investments, our footprint, our people and
our socio-economic impact. This journey which commenced with the registration
of our company in 1946 continues today with a footprint of 11 Breweries and 2
malting plants strategically spread out cross Nigeria.”
He added that“Aba Brewery commenced
operations in 1957 with an initial installed capacity of 500,000 hectoliters per annum
which later increased to 1.2million hectoliters per annum. The Brewery
reconstruction and expansion project which began in 2012 was completed in 2014
at a cost of N18bn. It makes Aba Brewery the most modern brewery in Nigeria and
simultaneously doubles the technical capacity at the brewery to 2.4m
hectoliters per annum.”
The 58-year brewery has now been
transformed into a t modern highly efficient brewery ranking among the best in
the Heineken group worldwide. This ultra-modern facility comprises of a most
modern brew house capable of making twelve brews of 500hl casting volume per
hour. Its energy recovery system is capable of processing 230 cubic meters of
water per hour. The new membrane beer filter installed is the latest technology
in beer filtration.
Additionally, the new Aba Brewery
has the most modern waste water treatment plant to treat effluents from the
brewery with a capacity to handle 3300 cubic meter effluent per day, with new
utility plants and a most modern canning line with a production capacity of 57,000
cans per hour.
The brewery is powered by an 8 MVA
internally generated power station which runs mainly on gas, cleaner and more
environmental friendly, and diesel engines as a fall back. The brewery is no
doubt a showpiece in brewing technology and it is worth emphasising that this
entire ultra-modern facility is managed and operated 100 per cent by Nigerians.
-ENDS-
No comments:
Post a Comment