By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Government has met with the Nigerian Breweries over the recent suspension of operations at two of its plants.
The company’s decision to shutdown the plants was attributed to the current harsh economic environment in the country.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who led the Ministry in a strategic meeting with the company on Monday, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Breweries and other companies operating in Nigeria by providing the needed environment for the businesses to thrive.
The meeting which addressed the concerns of the Nigerian Breweries with the focus on the company’s comprehensive Business Recovery Plan, also acknowledged the challenges faced by the communities in Awo-Omamma in Imo State and Kakuri in Kaduna State due to the suspensions.
Speaking, the MD/CEO of Nigerian Breweries, Hans Essaadi, stated, “We have existed for almost 78 years and have weathered many storms in the past.
“We believe our Business Recovery Plan will ensure that we exist for another 78 years”, he said.
The Minister praised the resolve and adaptability of Nigerian Breweries and assured continued engagement to assist in their recovery efforts.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite expressed the administration’s commitment to sustaining industry and manufacturing, and emphasized initiatives such as the Consumer Credit Scheme to boost purchasing power, sector-specific interventions in power and agriculture to reduce production costs, and ongoing dialogue for financial reporting with the Financial Reporting Council.
The Minister assured stakeholders, “The administration of President Bola Tinubu, is dedicated to creating a stable and conducive business environment. Rest assured, things will keep getting better.”
The Ministry and Nigerian Breweries have pledged to maintain an open dialogue to address the needs of the sector and ensure robust economic health for the nation.
