Buhari to Inaugurate Largest Brewery in West Africa

President Muhammadu Buhari will next Tuesday inaugurate a brewery owned by International Breweries Plc in Ogun State.

The Plant Manager, Mr. Tony Agah, disclosed this yesterday during a media tour of the $250 million brewery located at Km 3 Flowergate Industrial Scheme, Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.

According to him, the IB Plc is part of the AB InBev Group, the world’s largest brewer.

Agah identified other eminent Nigerians expected at the event to include Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Okechukwu Enelamah; and the global Chief Executive Officer of AB InBev, Mr. Carlos Brito

He added that the new brewery is the fourth plant to be established in the country by the company, as the IB Plc has three others in Ilesa, Onitsha and Port Harcourt.

According to him, the first phase of the development of the plant had been completed with over 300 Nigerians already employed.

“Given the importance of this event, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to perform the inauguration of the facility.

“The governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, will be hosting all of us, as our landlord. Other eminent Nigerians and officials of AB InBev, especially the global CEO, Mr. Carlos Brito, will lead the celebration.

“The new brewery will be the company’s largest plant within the group in Africa outside the one in South Africa. This will have a significant multiplier effects on the value chain within Ogun State and its environs.

“It will provide direct and indirect employment, make available global brands locally and support Nigeria’s foreign direct investment aspiration,” he explained.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, IB Plc, Annabelle Degroot described the plant as a major step towards the company’s strategic goal of producing high-quality drinks locally.

“International Breweries Plc is a brand that places a premium on quality. Bearing this in mind, we will spare no expense or effort in ensuring that Nigerians are treated to the best traditions in brewing, with outstanding recipes, superior ingredients, innovation and world-class techniques,” he added.