Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Nigerian Breweries PLC has commended Governor Peter Mbah for creating the right environment for businesses in the state through his recent intervention on the state of road and other infrastructure.
Mr Peter Ani, the Brewery Manager of NB PLC, Ama, made the commendation when he led the top management team of the company on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu.
He added added that the company had been enjoying the support of the government and other stakeholders since its establishment in the state in 1993.
He expressed gratitude over the rehabilitation and reconstruction of road network at the 9th Mile, Udi-Ezeagu and Udi-Makurdi axis initiated by the government, pledging that they would continue to make positive impacts on their stakeholders.
“We are grateful to Your Excellency for sustaining this cordial relationship between Nigerian Breweries PLC and Enugu State Government by maintaining an optimal business climate for us to operate in.
“We greatly appreciate the recent rehabilitation of the road network at 9th Mile, the Udi–Makurdi road, and the many other such infrastructural improvements projects not only at the 9th Mile axis but indeed throughout Enugu State,” the manager stated.
He further explained that since the establishment of NB PLC in the state in 1993, the company had been able to partner with the state government which led to the growth and expansion of its parent company, Heineken NV, investing the sum of €112 million to increase the Ama Brewery’s production capacity, making it the biggest brewery in West Africa.
Responding, Governor Mbah said the steps taken by his administration to intervene in some of the critical infrastructure in the state were deliberate as they would enable the ease of doing business and further derisk investment.
He stated that the government was keen about making Enugu the destination for investment and businesses, assuring that the state is open to welcome more investors.
He said: “I have always made it known to the people out there that Enugu is the premier destination for investments. If we can do it for Nigeria Breweries here, we can also do it for other investors. This is very heart-warming for us as government.
“Because we know that private sector investors are not Father Christmas, they thrive on returns on investment, and what you are doing here today should send a very strong signal to the world out there that Enugu is not only ready for business; in Enugu, we go the extra mile to make sure we help you thrive, we shield you from the tension in terms of the provision of security.
“We want to make sure that you are secured operating your business and living here in Enugu State.
“In terms of infrastructure, as you mentioned, what you see happening in the 9th Mile area is a good thing; we have to provide the key enablers to enable businesses to thrive, those burdens we should take off you. Our infrastructures, including roads, are receiving urgent attention.”
The governor called on other potential investors to stop sitting on the fence as Enugu, under his administration, has received adequate security and other incentives that would ensure businesses thrive and have their returns on investment.
According to Mbah, “Ours is to make sure that you have a secured and peaceful environment to operate, and that you continue to enhance your profitability in the state.”
