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The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, on Monday commenced a tour of prominent manufacturing companies such as Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, BUA Sugar Refinery Ltd, Flour Mills Limited, Bestaf Ltd, Golden Sugar Company, and the Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CHBN).
The tour, which would be from Monday, January 8, 2024 to Thursday January 11, 2024, will showcase the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering growth, innovation and sustainability within the manufacturing sector.
The tour commenced at Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, where the minister addressed the crucial issue of sugar pricing, and assured the public that there would be no increase, especially during the Ramadan period.
“Today, I witnessed a standard of innovation and commitment to quality. We stand firm in ensuring stable sugar prices, crucial for Nigerians, particularly during Ramadan. Let’s forge ahead, creating a sustainable and flourishing sugar industry for all,” she said.
Uzoka-Anite pledged the full support of the Federal Government and announced potential collaborations between the National Sugar Development Council and the Industrial Training Fund. This partnership, according to her, will generate more employment opportunities and enhance skills within the industry.
The minister also revealed plans for collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to provide cutting-edge machinery and equipment, reduce importation and promote international standards.
Uzoka-Anite further disclosed plans for extensive staff training and the introduction of improved seed varieties from the Sugar Institute in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Highlighting the dedication of President Bola Tinubu administration’s to job creation, the minister discussed a skills acquisition collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund and assured the manufacturers that she will visit all sugar refineries to assess their status.
She emphasised that low performance in the sugar master plan would no longer be tolerated while stressing the government’s commitment to improving food security and supporting the agricultural sector.
Concluding the tour on the first day, the team visited the Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CHBN), where they received a comprehensive tour of the facility.
Mr. Goran Sladic, the Country General Manager, highlighted the company’s substantial investment in supply chain infrastructure and unveiled plans for a youth empowerment programme.
“At Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, we showcased our commitment to supply chain infrastructure. We’re investing $1 billion for job creation, empowering 10,000 youths. collaborating with the government, we will achieve more,” Sladic said.
The visits underscores the Federal Government’s dedication to collaborating with the private sector to drive economic development and create a conducive environment for sustainable growth within the manufacturing sector.