Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for its commitment and contribution to the Nigerian economy with the commissioning of the expanded ultra-modern Aba Brewery, Abia State.
The President who was represented at the ceremony by the Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga, disclosed that the project reinforces the company’s support for the economic development goals of the country which is also reflected in the company’s creation of more than 279, 000 direct and indirect employment, 85 per cent of which is attributed to direct production. Dr. Aganga praised the management of the company for the laudable project, saying it was projects like this that contributed to the listing of the company as one of the top one hundred companies in Nigeria in 2014.
Speaking also at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji enjoined the people of the State to continue to support Nigerian Breweries Plc as the expansion of its 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.
The expansion project in Aba Brewery involved a 100 percent optimization of the technical capacity of the brewery from 1.2million hectoliters to 2.4million hectoliters. The brewery has also been fitted with best in class equipment and promises to further enhance the leadership position of Nigerian Breweries in Nigeria. The ceremony was also attended by top management of the company, high ranking government officials, traditional rulers, the company’s business partners and the public.