Unilever Africa President, Bruno Witvoet, while at a CEO Forum in
Abidjan, stressed Unilever’s commitment to further investment and growth
in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, the Africa CEO visited Nigeria where he met with
key government officials like the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki
and the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Oky Enelamah and he
expressed Unilever’s intention to strengthen its investments, as well as
commitment to growing business sustainably in Nigeria.
At the same meeting, the Unilever Boss, stated that the company was
working on its backward integration plans, driving towards 100% local
sourcing over time.
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“We are pleased and very confident to state that we are a Nigerian
company and we are here to stay. We have been in the country for 92
years and will be here for another 92 years and more. Our plans for
increased investment will also bring about employment opportunities in
the country as workers will be recruited for the new production line,
and in the farms for the production and sourcing of local raw
materials.”
When asked about the prevailing economic circumstances in Nigeria at the
CEO forum, the Unilever Boss said he believes the situation in Nigeria
is improving and that the company will continue to invest in the
country. He noted that as well as a number of expansion programmes
already underway, approval has also being given to invest more in
capital expansion.
Mr. Wivoet, while stating that it was not the job of companies to
comment on currency policies, stated, that he is hopeful, that the
current Foreign Exchange situation across the continent where black
market rates are allowed to play parallel to official rates will be
addressed to help support rapid economic progress.
Local sourcing of raw materials Mr. Witvoet stated will help provide a
ready market for some of the products produced by local farmers and
thus provide them with the needed encouragement and empowerment.
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