Business

BUA Works Against FG’s Drive for Investment into Local Vegetable Oil Cultivation

Published

9 years ago

December 2, 2015

The federal government’s drive to reduce pressure on the nations foreign exchange reserves and promote large scale creation of farming jobs in local communities in the country is being seriously set back by some companies it has been learnt.

According to investigations, BUA group, a Nigerian conglomerate, which has benefitted from federal government preferential trade incentives under the Backward Integration Policy has refused to join others in the same category to invest in real agricultural production and manufacturing.

In the vegetable oil sector, it was gathered that while other vegetable oil producers are investing in massive cultivation of oil palm plantations, BUA has done virtually nothing in terms of farming, instead it fully depends on importation of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) from Asia for refining in Nigeria with only very little value addition and economic activities created.

This business strategy said to be championed by BUA is blamed by experts for the continuous exportation of job opportunities that could have bailed a lot of Nigerians out of unemployment and poverty to other countries in Asia.

A market watcher noted: “It is disgraceful that BUA group that has received all sorts of incentives from the federal government, from hugely subsidised tariff and concessionary importation quotas over the years will not deem it necessary to begin to engage in actual production within the country. Mere importation of crude palm oil for packaging and distribution will never bring the needed economic advancement to this country.”

According to investigations, PZ Wilmar which had been earlier criticised for the same issue has been seen to have acquired nearly 50,000 hectares of oil palm plantation from the Cross River State government and Obasanjo farms and they are currently rehabilitating the palm trees in this plantation, creating jobs for thousands of local people across the country.

“Unfortunately, till date, it remains to be seen if BUA with all its claim to be a foremost and major manufacturer in Nigeria, has really injected significant investment in real productive agriculture and manufacturing.

“Rather, it is said to have just been a company that imports bulk of its raw materials, many of which can be produced locally, little value addition and a lot of smile to the bank with huge margins, shipping most of the jobs and economic activities that should have been created to Asia and South America from where the significantly processed raw materials are mainly imported.

“Certainly, with Nigeria’s economy now the way it is, this is not the time to encourage the kind of quasi-manufacturing operation which BUA has been accused of championing. Forex supply has reduced by almost 60 per cent, revenue to the federal government has dipped by almost the same percentage and the situation is forecast to remain gloomy for a long time to come. So, for operators who are not ready to get their hands dirty in actual farming and manufacturing, Nigeria certainly is no more the ideal market for their operations,” a source stressed.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

Business

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

In a show of solidarity, the Committee of Banks in Nigeria has extended a helping hand to victims of the September 2024 floods in Jigawa State. On Thursday, a high-profile delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), visited Dutse, the state capital, to present relief materials to the state government.

The donated items, worth several million Naira, included essential food supplies such as rice and cooking oil, along with mattresses and beverages. Dr. Alawuba highlighted that the gesture aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by flood victims and support critical institutions, especially public hospitals, in their efforts to assist those affected.

“We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Jigawa State during this difficult time. This donation is our way of expressing empathy and supporting those who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods,” Dr. Alawuba stated.

The delegation included notable banking leaders such as Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank Plc, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc, among others. Their collective presence underscored the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.

Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi expressed profound gratitude for the donation, describing the visit as a rare and commendable act of compassion. He assured the delegation that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the intended beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in rebuilding lives and communities.

The Committee of Banks also reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigerians during emergencies, drawing attention to previous interventions, including relief efforts during the 2011 and 2013 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and security initiatives like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

This humanitarian gesture reflects the collective resolve of Nigeria’s financial institutions to foster social and economic growth, making a meaningful impact in times of need.