NBC Begins Work on N80bn Mega Plant Project in Imo
Management of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has disclosed that work would soon commence on its mega plant project at Okigwe in Imo State which is expected to cost the company N80 billion.
Also, the bottling company had paid over N33 billion electricity bills it consumed in five years period.
This was disclosed by the Head of Public Affairs Communication, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo, during an interactive session with journalists in Owerri, the state capital. According to him, work on the proposed site should have commenced earlier, stating that despite the delay, arrangement had been concluded to start work on the 30,000 hectares of land soon.
He however denied the allegation of rift between the company and the state government over the said land, following the abandonment of the land after many years it was handed over to the NBC.
Odenigbo noted that when the plant becomes operational, it would create jobs for many Nigerians and reduce youth unemployment and restiveness in the country.
The company image maker also disclosed that the management had within the period of 2008 to 2013 paid Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) now Enugu Electricity Development Commission (EEDC) the sum of N33 billion as electricity bills.
He stated that the company had always settled its electricity bills anywhere they have their operational plants to avoid distraction despite having other sources of electricity.
Answering questions from journalists during the interactive session, he explained that the NBC operates 12 bottling plants in Nigeria in addition to 50 distribution depots and a widespread network of distribution partners.