… Unveils Manufacturing Sector Strategic Initiatives
The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, MD, CFA, 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 takes place from Monday, January 8, 2024, to Thursday, January 11, 2024, will highlight the Federal Government’s initiatives to support the manufacturing sector’s development, innovation, and sustainability.
The Minister addressed the important topic of sugar price at Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, where the tour started, promising the people that there will be no rise, particularly during Ramadan.
“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’. said Dr.Uzoka-Anite “Let’s forge ahead, creating a sustainable and flourishing sugar industry for all.”
Dr. Uzoka-Anite proposed possible partnerships between the Industrial Training Fund and the National Sugar Development Council and assured everyone of the federal government’s unwavering support. This collaboration will improve industry expertise and create more job prospects. In addition, the Minister disclosed intentions to work in tandem with the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation to supply state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, thereby lowering imports and advancing global standards.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite also revealed that the Sugar Institute in Ilorin, Kwara State, would be introducing enhanced seed varieties, as well as substantial staff training. The Minister emphasized the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to employment generation, and she talked about a collaboration on skills acquisition with the Industrial Training Fund. She also gave manufacturers the assurance that she will visit every sugar refinery to evaluate their situation.
The Trade Minister underlined that the government is committed to enhancing food security and bolstering the agriculture industry, and that subpar performance in the sugar master plan would not be accepted going forward.
The crew visited the Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CHBN) to wrap up their tour on the first day, where they were given a thorough tour of the facility. The company’s significant investment in supply chain infrastructure was underlined by Mr. Goran Sladic, the country general manager, who also revealed plans for a program aimed at empowering young people.
According to Sladic “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.”
The Federal Government’s commitment to working with the private sector, promoting economic development, and fostering an atmosphere that supports the manufacturing sector’s sustainable growth is demonstrated by this tour of visits.
