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Indorama Debunks Economic Sabotage

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Indorama Port-Limited

The management of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals (IEFCL) has debunked the report that the company and another fertilizer firm are sabotaging the national economy and security through their export of fertilizers at the detriment of farmers in Nigeria.

The Company stated that all its domestic supplies to customers so far are in accordance with the approval of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Farm Input and Supply Services (FISS) department in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited (IEPL) and its sister companies in Nigeria are not, and have not, and would never be directly or indirectly involved in any activities to undermine or sabotage the economy or security of the nation,” the company declared.

In a press statement issued in Port Harcourt, and signed by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Jossy Nkwocha, the management noted that its brand-new world-class fertilizer plant built at a cost of $1.5 billion — one of Nigeria’s largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in the downstream sector — started pre-commissioning production only recently at only 75% capacity, and in the past one month has been giving priority to the domestic market.

The statement added: ‘”The plant is still awaiting official inauguration.

“Our brand-new fertilizer plant has capacity for 1.5 metric tons of fertilizers per annum which is designed to serve Nigeria’s entire domestic requirement and the surplus is for export markets.”

“However, our primary focus is to serve the interest of our domestic market and this we have been doing with great sense of responsibility and commitment to the Nigerian economy” the company stated.

“It is also a matter of national pride that the surplus production would be exported to enable the generation of foreign exchange for the Country at this time of huge deficit of foreign exchange; as well as branding Nigeria’s global reputation as producer and exporter of petrochemicals and fertilizers, thereby encouraging more foreign investors to come and invest in Nigeria.”

Nkwocha noted that IEFCL has been loading and distributing an average of between 90 – 100 long trailers of fertilizers, each carrying 600 bags of 50kg each, totaling over 57,000 bags of Indorama Urea fertilizer daily over the past one month for the benefit of Nigerian farmers across the country.

The company added: “Indorama-Nigeria is 100 percent committed to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and has in the past ten years demonstrated such total commitment and loyalty by providing more than 85% domestic needs of polymers which were hitherto imported into the country at huge foreign exchange cost.”

Indorama said as a responsible corporate organisation, it was constrained to state the facts for the benefit of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Federal Government of Nigeria, the international partners, other critical Stakeholders and the general public.

It noted that it was greatly embarrassed and distressed that the publications gave misleading impression that the two fertilizer companies were sabotaging national security by distributing fertilizers within the country, which were being used by some undesirable elements to make explosives.

“The publications further mentioned an unnamed organisation involved in commercial explosives and accessories whose activities were sabotaging national security”.

“This mix-up has caused great embarrassment and distress to our company, which over the past ten years has the unblemished reputation of adding great value to the Nigerian economy and society,” it said.

Furthermore, the statement added: ‘’The management of Indorama Fertilizer therefore restated its total commitment to the economy and security of the country, especially in ensuring that farmers across the country have unhindered access to its high quality Urea fertilizers.

It also expressed readiness to collaborate with the office of the NSA and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure that all identified concerns about availability of Indorama fertilizers by farmers and dealers are addressed as quickly as possible.

Indorama said it would continue to work with Federal Government regulators to achieve its vision of building the largest Petrochemicals and fertilizer hub of Africa with a cumulative investment of $4.32 billion by 2020.

The company stated that in the past ten years, Indorama-Nigeria has been a responsible corporate citizen, reputed for its excellent Public Private Partnership (PPP) – sharing its wealth/dividend with shareholders including the Federal Government (through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Bureau of Public Enterprises), Rivers State Government, and host communities and Nigerian employees.

It stated that it has also created over 7,500 jobs, as well as engendered numerous Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes that impact very positively on its host and transit communities in Rivers State.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Guinness Nigeria Postpones Spirits Importation Exit, Extends Deal with Diageo

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Guinness - Investors King

Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced a delay in its plan to halt the importation of spirits as it extended its agreement with multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo until 2025.

The decision, communicated through a corporate notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday, cited a longer-than-expected transition period for separating its business from Diageo’s.

Initially slated for discontinuation in April 2024, the importation of premium spirits like Johnnie Walker, Singleton, Baileys, and others under the 2016 sale and distribution agreement with Diageo will now continue for an additional year.

The extension comes as the process of business separation between Guinness Nigeria, a subsidiary of Diageo, and Diageo itself faces unexpected delays.

In October, Guinness Nigeria had announced plans to cease importing spirits from Diageo, a move aimed at reducing its foreign exchange requirements.

However, the separation process has encountered unforeseen hurdles, necessitating the extension of the importation agreement.

The notice, signed by the company’s Legal Director/Company Secretary, Abidemi Ademola, highlighted the ongoing efforts by Guinness Nigeria and Diageo to implement the separation, originally scheduled for completion by April 2024.

The extension underscores the complexity of disentangling the businesses and ensuring a smooth transition.

Guinness Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term growth strategy, aligning with Diageo’s decision to establish a new, wholly-owned spirits-focused business.

Despite the delay, both companies remain dedicated to managing the importation and distribution of international premium spirits in West and Central Africa, with Nigeria as a key hub.

The postponement comes amid challenges faced by Guinness Nigeria, including significant exchange rate losses, which amounted to N49 billion in the 2023 half-year operations.

Despite these setbacks, the company remains optimistic about its future prospects in the Nigerian market.

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Private Sector Warns: Interest Rate Hike to Trigger Job Cuts and Inflation Surge

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Private employers

As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced a hike in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 22.75% to 24.75%, concerns have been raised by the private sector regarding the potential ramifications on job stability and inflationary pressures.

The move, aimed at curbing inflation and stabilizing the exchange rate, has prompted apprehension among business operators who fear adverse effects on the economy.

Representatives from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists have voiced their worries over the increased difficulty in accessing affordable credit.

They argue that the higher interest rates will impede the private sector’s ability to borrow funds for expansion and operational activities.

This, they fear, could lead to a reduction in business investments and subsequently result in widespread job cuts across various sectors.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) acknowledged the necessity of the interest rate hike but emphasized the potential negative consequences it may bring.

While describing it as a “price businesses would have to pay,” the LCCI highlighted the current fragility of the economy, exacerbated by various policy missteps.

They cautioned that the increased cost of borrowing could stifle entrepreneurial activities and discourage expansion plans critical for economic growth and job creation.

Experts have echoed these concerns, warning that the tightening monetary conditions could exacerbate inflationary pressures and hinder economic recovery efforts.

With inflation already soaring at 31.70%, the rate hike could further fuel price hikes, especially in essential goods and services, thus eroding the purchasing power of consumers.

However, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso defended the decision, citing the imperative to address current inflationary pressures and ensure sustained exchange rate stability.

He emphasized the need to restore the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians and expressed confidence that the economy would stabilize by the end of the year.

Despite assurances from the CBN, stakeholders remain cautious, calling for a more nuanced approach that balances the need for price stability with the imperative of fostering economic growth and job creation.

As businesses brace for the impact of the interest rate hike, all eyes are on the evolving economic landscape and the measures taken to mitigate its effects on livelihoods and inflation.

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Breaking Barriers: Transcorp Hotels CEO Shares Journey from Crisis to Success

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Dupe Olusola

Dupe Olusola, the Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, reflects on her remarkable journey from navigating the depths of a global pandemic to achieving unprecedented success in the hospitality industry.

Appointed in March 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Olusola found herself at the helm of a company grappling with the severe economic fallout and operational challenges inflicted by the crisis.

Faced with a drop in occupancy rates from 70% to a mere 5%, Olusola and her team were confronted with the daunting task of steering Transcorp Hotels through uncharted waters.

Undeterred by the adversity, they embarked on a journey of transformation, leveraging creativity and resilience to navigate the turbulent landscape.

Implementing innovative strategies such as introducing drive-through cinemas, setting up on-site COVID-19 testing facilities, and enhancing take-away services, Transcorp Hotels adapted to meet the evolving needs of its guests and ensure continuity amidst the crisis.

Embracing disruption as a catalyst for growth, Olusola fostered a culture of collaboration and teamwork, rallying her colleagues to overcome obstacles and embrace change.

Through unwavering determination and a commitment to excellence, Transcorp Hotels emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever, breaking profit and revenue records year after year.

“It’s indeed been a great opportunity to learn and relearn, to lead and to grow. When you see success stories, remember it’s a journey with twists, turns, ups and downs but in the end, it will all be okay”, she said.

Olusola’s leadership exemplifies the power of adaptability and perseverance, inspiring her team to transcend limitations and chart a course towards unprecedented success.

As Transcorp Hotels continues to flourish under her stewardship, Olusola remains steadfast in her dedication to driving innovation, fostering growth, and breaking barriers in the hospitality industry.

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