THE Nigerian Breweries Plc, has commissioned civil works of its expansion project at Ama Brewery, Enugu State.
The Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya at the commissioning hailed NB Plc for taking the steps to expand its current brewing capacity, which demonstrates its commitment to the Nigerian economy and the State.
He hoped that when completed, the project would further enhance the industrial growth of Enugu and Nigeria, while improving the company’s market share.
He assured the company that the State would continue to formulate policies and tax regimes that would make its business thrive better.
“This investment of 112million euros in the Ama Brewery expansion project is a laudable decision. This move would not only generate revenue to the state and create more job opportunities for our teeming youths but also widen the market share of HEINEKEN”, he said.
This historic event, which was held on April 27, 2022, was part of activities marking the visit of the CEO/Chairman of the Executive Board of HEINEKEN N.V, Dolf van den Brink to Nigeria.
He was accompanied by the HEINEKEN Chief Financial Officer, Harold van den Broek, and HEINEKEN President for Africa Middle East and Eastern Europe, Roland Pirmez.
The expansion project worth N56 billion (€112 million) is expected to boost the brewing capacity from 2.7 million hectolitres to 4.8billion hectolitres in the first phase and up to 6 million hectolitres in the second phase.
Representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), traditional rulers from the host communities, attended the commissioning ceremony.
The CEO stated that the investment in Ama Brewery is further demonstration of the long-standing history and relationship between HEINEKEN and Nigeria, which dates back to 1946.
He said: “Based on our longstanding role in the past and present, HEINEKEN is investing €112 million in this important Ama Expansion project because we see ourselves as playing a major role in Nigeria’s future.
“We are proud to be part of the growth and development of this wonderful state and country. We look forward to a continued partnership with the great state of Enugu,”
The Chairman of NB Plc, Chief Kolawole Jamodu said that the project represents an extension of the win-win relationship between the company and the state.
He noted that the state has provided the needed operating environment for companies like NB to thrive, and in return the company continues to play its role as a responsible corporate citizen, with payment of over N400 million in employee taxes, levies, and other duties to the state government in 2021 alone.
The MD, Hans Essaadi said:“Indeed, our partnership with the state government has seen us invest hundreds of millions of naira in various community projects and social investment initiatives in the areas of Health, Education, Community infrastructure, and Sports development.”
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2022.
