Lagos – The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, has commended Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to high quality standards and innovation in the brewery industry.
The company in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday said Arkwright gave the commendation during his tour of the Ogba brewery of Guinness Nigeria, in Ikeja, Lagos.
The statement said that the commitment was demonstrated in its robust and diverse product portfolio and manufacturing facilities.
It said the tour had lent credence to Guinness Nigeria’s status as a preeminent Nigerian company with roots in the U.K. and demonstrated a firm belief in the Nigerian business by the British government.
On the relationship between Britain and Guinness Nigeria, it quoted Arkwright as noting that “Guinness Nigeria has been here since 1962 when the very first brewery was built.
“It shows the very long history between the U.K., Diageo, a proud British company and the Nigerian market’’.
The statement added that during the tour, Arkwright said he noticed one of the plaques where the factory was unveiled by a former British Minister for Africa, Mr Henry Bellingham.
“That’s a very good example of the solid partnership that has continued to wax strong over the years.’’
It also commended Guinness on the cleanliness of the facility, the modern machinery being used as well as the due observance of safety protocols and regulation.
“I am amazed at the cleanliness, the technical sophistication and the adherence to health and safety guidelines which is a very good example of commitment to quality and environmental protection.
“Guinness Nigeria already employs lots of people here in Nigeria and is looking at doing more.
“This provides an excellent example of how British companies are working with local partners to create jobs, stimulate economic activities and create a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
“It’s also heartwarming to see Guinness Nigeria drive innovation in the brewery industry, having just launched Orijin Zero, an absolutely brilliant drink,’’ it quoted Arkwright as enthusing.
The statement said that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa, expressed the company’s delight at the visit.
Ndegwa, represented by the Corporate Relations Director, Sesan Sobowale, said it had afforded the company an opportunity to showcase its commitment to Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.
On the High Commissioner’s impression of the factory, it said Sobowale noted that Guinness Nigeria had been here for 66 years as an incorporated company having been profiled as the largest British company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
“We have a large reputation, as such, the commissioner came to witness first hand if the reality matches the enviable reputation that we have built over the years.
“And it is pleasing to see that he was not disappointed,” the statement quoted Sobowale as saying.
It added that Sobowale welcomed the future entry of other British brands into the Nigerian market.
“Our commitment to quality shines through everything that we do, which is why Nigerians love and adore our brands.
“It is our belief and expectation that this relationship will grow stronger and that the High Commissioner would gladly share the great things he has seen with other British firms that are interested in investing in Nigeria.’’ (NAN)