The Nigerian Breweries Plc has expressed faith in the economic viability of its operations in Abia State as it injected N18 billion to upgrade and expand Aba Brewery. The 58 year old facility was transformed into an ultra-modern one following a two-year upgrading project which was completed in 2014.
Speaking at the inauguration of the modern brewery, President Goodluck Jonathan noted that with this multi-billion naira investment, NB Plc has indeed restated its unshakable resolve to remain a major player in the nation’s economic development. Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said that NB Plc was supportive of his administration’s economic transformation agenda as demonstrated by the huge investments in expanding the Aba Brewery.
He said that for the brewery giant to inject N18 billion into its business operations in Aba, was a clear sign that Nigeria in general and Abia State in particular was safe for business. He added that this singular investment has generated 279, 000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians, including 250 farmers. According to him, the project is also a reflection of our future as a nation.
The listing of NB Plc among the top 100 companies in Nigeria in 2014 was made possible by such investments like the one made to upgrade the Aba Brewery. Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, said that the project was a cutting edge partnership between his administration and private investors made possible by the prevailing peace and security in the state. He urged the people of Abia to continue to support the company for investing in the state thereby contributing to improving the living standard of the people through direct and indirect employment while the three tiers of government stand to benefit from revenue from tax
