Unilever To Source Raw Materials Locally

Manufacturing giant, Unilever Nigeria Plc., in separate meetings with the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Minister for Trade and Investment and the Minister for State for Trade and Investment, Prof. Okey Enelamah and Mrs. Aisha Abubakar respectively, recently revealed plans to increase its investment in the country.

President of the company, Mr. Bruno Witvoet, said at the meetings that Unilever has plans to set up new plants within the country to boost its manufacturing activities in the country.

The company boss also announced that it was already working on a backward integration programme, aimed at 100 per cent local production of needed raw materials for manufacturing.

“We are pleased and very confident to state that we are a Nigerian company and we are here to stay. We have been in the country for 92 years and will be here for another 92 years and more. Our plans for increased investment will also bring about employment opportunities in the country, as workers will be recruited for the new production line, and in the farms for the production and sourcing of local raw materials,” he said.

Appreciating what he described as good initiative from Unilever, Saraki assured that the present administration is serious about its policy on diversification of the economy, while the National Assembly was also reviewing some extant laws to make the country a business-friendly destination.

The Senate President said the attempt by the company to source raw material locally would provide ready market for farm produce, adding that it would encourage and empower local farmers to work harder.

Saraki noted that the National Assembly is determined to ensure that policies are consistent and that incentives required ensuring that businesses and investors are encouraged to make the kind of investments promised by Unilever.

“What we are trying as much as possible to so is to see how we can diversify and increase the supply side for import substitution and the demand is huge. One of the concerns being raised is whether these policies are going to be consistent. And I said, yes, It will,” he explained.

In his comments, the Minister for trade, at a separate meeting, also corroborated the words of the Senate President, stating that the current administration prides itself high on integrity, good governance, provision of a secure environment, economic progress and a commitment to sound policies. “And it is ready to provide a fertile environment for investors to do legitimate business in the country,” he said.