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BUA to Invest N92bn in Sugar Production, Refining

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BUA Sugar
  • BUA to Invest N92bn in Sugar Production, Refining

The Managing Director, BUA Sugar Refinery Limited, Ibrahim Yaro, has said that the firm, which operates the second largest sugar refinery in Sub-Saharan Africa, will invest $300m (about N92bn at N305.7/$ official exchange rate as of Thursday) in sugar production and refining.

He stated that the company was targeting two million tonnes of sugar production annually, adding that this would substantially aid Nigeria becoming self-sustaining in sugar production and refining and even for export.

He spoke on Tuesday when the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, came on a tour of sugar plantation and facilities at the Lafiaji Sugar Company at Lafiaji in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The minister was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of National Sugar Development Council, Mr. Latif Busari.

The minister’s tour was to ascertain the level of progress at the LASUCO Sugar plantation owned by the BUA Group.

Yaro said LASUCO, a backward integration site for BUA Group’s sugar subsidiary, had over 20,000 hectares of arable land, suitable for sugar cane and strategically located to serve the northern and southern markets of Nigeria.

He stated that 500 hectares earmarked by the company for its nursery development in 2016 had been developed, adding that there was ongoing land clearing and development preparation for additional 5,000 hectares, which would take the company through 2018.Yaro said, “The company, in its quest to sustain this laudable project, is not only planning to invest $300m in the plantation but has acquired over 50 heavy state-of-art equipment to fast-track the development of the plantation and achieve its aim of producing 1.2 million tonnes per annum when fully developed.

“We are focused, determined and vigorously marching forward to meet our set target with the sugar council. LASUCO is targeting the production of two million tonnes of sugar cane annually and this segment alone can produce over 4,000 jobs, while thousands of employment ýwill be generated at the plant and at an indirect level. BUA is serious and ever ready to surprise Nigeria and Nigerians in its current efforts of becoming a mega local sugar producer and first sugar exporter in the country.”

He said the BUA Group remained committed to partnering the government in ensuring the success of the backward integration policy of the sugar industry as well as in its drive to resuscitate and develop other areas of the Nigerian agricultural sector.

The minister commended the management of the BUA Group for the extensive work so far achieved with LASUCO and for its commitment to sugar development in Nigeria.

She lauded the investments and progress made on the plantation and called for greater commitment of state governors and host communities to attract more investments.

She said, “We are indeed very satisfied with the current pace of work and commitment exhibited by BUA on its sugar plantation.

“We hope other sugar companies will emulate the proactive steps employed by BUA to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production, which will eventually translate to positive gains in Nigeria’s efforts in becoming a sugar producing nation.”

Busari said it was necessary to produce between 1.8 million and two million tonnes of sugar to meet the annual sugar needs of the country.

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaj Abdulfatah Ahmed, during the minister’s courtesy call on him, assured local and foreign investors of an enabling environment for investment to engender economic growth of the state.

He said his government was prepared to give necessary support to investors as a way of making Kwara State the preferred choice of business.

The governor, who identified agriculture as a key driver of the economy, acknowledged efforts of the Federal Government to truly revamp agriculture sector to serve as a means of diversifying the economy, creating employment opportunities and regaining the lost glory in economy.·

He also commended the Federal Government for its drive to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production through backward integration.

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 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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