Unilever set to raise investments in Nigeria – The Nation Newspaper

As part of its commitment to invest in Nigeria, Unilever West Africas Vice President, Supply Chain, Siddharth Ramaswamy, has reiterated the companys commitment to the growth of the Nigerian economy through plans to increase its investment portfolio to enhance local manufacturing.

Ramaswamy spoke during a tour by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, to the manufacturing giant.

According to Ramaswamy, the company, which has been in Nigeria for almost 100 years, will continue to invest in the country, despite the economic challenges.

Nigeria is strategic to our business operations. This is why we remain committed to the countrys socio-economic development. We currently operate two manufacturing hubs in Nigeria, and we are already taking actions to increase our local manufacturing capacity.

There are ongoing investments, which will not only provide additional employment opportunities for Nigerians, but will deliver further economic value through the development of a sustainable supply chain structure consisting of local manufacturers, he said.

Dr.Onu commended Unilever for its long history in Nigeria, and reaffirmed the governments commitment to support Unilever.

According to him, the government is working hard to improve the nations economy from resource-based to knowledge-based and will partner organisations, such as Unilever, through synergy with research institutions under the ministry.

He said such visits create avenue to see how the government can assist organisations as Unilever to overcome challenges by providing the environment to grow its business through incentives and suitable legal framework.

We want companies to use more of local raw materials in production processes. Because when this happens, new jobs will be created, and our GDP will grow, thereby reducing poverty. This can only happen if we work with you and other responsible companies, he said.

Onu encouraged Unilever to show more interest in local research to improve its production process.

He urged Unilever to work closely with FIIRO and other research institutions under the ministry.

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Unilever set to raise investments in Nigeria - The Nation Newspaper