The British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has applauded Guinness Nigeria Plc for ensuring a responsible drinking culture in the country.
Laing, who paid a courtesy visit to Guinness Nigeria site in Benin on Wednesday said that she was impressed with Guinness’ operations as well as its philanthropic activities in the country.
Guinness Nigeria Plc in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) sensitised members of the public especially vehicle drivers on the need to drink responsibly.
The company is also involved in the education of secondary school students below 18 years, across the country on the need to shun consumption of alcoholic drinks.
“I am impressed by the drink responsible campaign and the company’s philanthropic activities such as the eye centre.
“Guinness is a strong brand in Nigeria, and it has a very bright future; congratulations to the team, they have done a fantastic job”.
The envoy therefore assured of Britain’s continued support to the company to enable it fulfill its full potential.
She added that “Guinness is one of the long standing British company in Nigeria, so, we the overseas partner do what we can to support them deal with some of the tricky problems they are tackling; forex for example.
“The kind of issue I will raise is to see government partners help Guinness to fulfill its full potential”.
Mr Anthony Alozie, Site Manager, Guinness Benin Brewery, said the company had continued to enjoy harmonious relationship with its host community.
“We are ready to do more for the community despite the economic challenges because it is one of the ways we pay back the community that has been so supportive.
“We have been here for over 47 years and we have partnered with the local community and the relationship with the community has been cordial,” he said.
Alozie, however, identified major challenges affecting the company’s operations to include scarce forex, high cost of inputs and delay in supply chain activities occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We do everything to reduce cost of production, but forex is a challenge. We try to source our products locally so that we can reduce cost of production,” he said.
