Business
NSDC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY LAUDS BUA FOODS ON CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGERIAN SUGAR SECTOR
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
BUA Foods Plc (“the company”) has received commendations from the National Sugar Development Council (“NSDC”) over the level of progress made at its wholly owned subsidiary, LASUCO Sugar Company Limited (“LASUCO”) which sits on 20,000 hectares of arable land in Lafiagi, Kwara State.
His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawa, the Emir of Lafiagi flanked by the Executives of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Executives of LASUCO and BUA Foods Plc at the Emir’s palace in Lafiagi, Kwara State.
Over the years, BUA foods has invested heavily in the backward integration program of the Federal Government under the supervision of the NSDC.
L – R: Labaran Saidu, Senior General Manager, Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO); Habib Abdullahi, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC); Abdulrasheed Olayiwola, Chief Finance Officer, BUA Foods Plc; Adedeji Zacch, Executive Secretary, NSDC; Ayodele Abioye, Ag. Managing Director, BUA Foods Plc; and Adewunmi Desalu, Communications Director, BUA Foods Plc during the council’s visit to the Sugarcane plantation at LASUCO in Lafiagi, Kwara State.
When fully completed, the over $300million integrated sugar factory will comprise of a sugar mill with a capacity of 10,000tons of cane per day, a sugar refinery with an annual capacity of 220,000metric tonnes, a 35megawatts power generating plant to fuel the factory with potential to supply the national grid, and a 20million litres per annum ethanol production plant.
The plantation also has a 3km airstrip of international standard, built to support its operations.
Addressing the NSDC team in Lafiagi, the acting Managing Director, BUA Foods, Engr. Ayodele Abioye said the visit was timely as it restates the company’s drive to ensure the advancement of the food sector and the Nigerian economy.
According to Abioye, “We thank the National Sugar Development Council. We are glad you like the level of work that has gone into this plantation and remain committed to fully attaining the backward integration program.
Its role in conserving foreign exchange, boosting local capacity, creating jobs, enhancing skill acquisition and ensuring that less emphasis is placed on imported raw materials is clearly understood’’
“We believe at take-off; this enormous project will make a huge impact to our business and the aspirations of the council”.
Speaking during the working visit to the plantation, the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) Zacch Adedeji, said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led Government is committed to revamping the sugar industry through the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, (“NSMP”) which has the capacity to ensure we grow what we eat, and eat what we grow while providing job opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
Adedeji who thanked BUA Foods for its resilient commitment towards the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made at the integrated sugar factory adding that Nigeria is a step closer to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.
“At the sugar council, our aim is to locally produce 70% of Nigeria’s sugar consumption which is currently at 1.7metric tons per annum. LASUCO is expected to play a pivotal role in achievement of this goal as it’s expected to contribute up to 25% of the targeted local consumption based on its capacity”.
Adedeji added that “I am impressed with the level of progress I have seen here. All that’s required is to further develop the field to which I have seen the commitment of the BUA team to meet that”.
The company is working towards supporting farmers through an out-grower scheme to increase sugar cane production and provide a springboard for expansion of its local sugar production while impacting the host community and Nigerian economy at large.
Earlier, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawa, the Emir of Lafiagi described the project as a “game-changing initiative” that will spur development of the community.
According to him, “For us, the BUA-LASUCO project is a dream come true for Lafiagi as there are only a handful of towns that can boast of a $300m dollar investment. We are proud of this project and very happy it is situated in our area. The potentials are huge, the type of transformation this project will bring Lafiagi beats the imagination.
Today, we are on the world map due to the 3km runway. We are very happy and committed to this project; There is nothing BUA needs that we will not accommodate”.
About BUA Foods PLC
BUA Foods is a leading food business with well diversified and scalable operations producing sugar, flour, pasta, rice and edible oils. With strategically located plants across Nigeria, coupled with a cordial alliance with local stakeholders in host communities, BUA Foods is a resilient business built on a strong brand proposition and is an operator with reputation for delivering high-quality products.
BUA Foods continues to invest in modern technology for efficient food production, innovatively expanding with strategic partners across the value chain. The company is also well positioned to leverage significant export potentials across West Africa and the larger African continent.
Headquartered and listed in Nigeria, BUA Foods has become one of the most capitalized companies on the NGX and a leading consumer goods firm by market value.
Business
BUA Industries secures US$200 million Facility from Afrexim Bank to support Expansion Plans
BUA Industries secures US$200 million Facility from Afrexim Bank to support Expansion Plans
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a US$200 million Corporate Finance Facility in favour of BUA Industries Limited to support its expansion plans.
BUA is a Nigerian conglomerate with diversified business interest spanning across, sugar and cement manufacturing, flour milling, oil milling, port logistics, real estate development, oil and gas, and shipping. The first tranche of $150 million was disbursed on October 16, 2024.
Speaking on the transaction, Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON, Chairman of BUA, said that the $200 million corporate finance facility from Afrexim Bank, marks a crucial step in BUA’s commitment to industrialising Nigeria’s manufacturing, infrastructure and energy sector for local use and export. “With Afreximbank’s support, BUA can increase investments to strengthen industrial capacity and meet regional demand. Our goal is sustainable growth that boosts Nigeria’s self-sufficiency and Africa’s global trade presence, creating jobs and building economic resilience,” he said
Commenting on the transaction, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra Africa Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, said that the facility would provide critical financial support to a leading Nigerian conglomerate as it pursues its expansion plans, thereby boosting its industrial base and Nigeria’s export manufacturing capacity.
“We are delighted at this partnership, which promises to deliver significant impact through job creation, import substitution, and export diversification – thereby boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
Over the past decade, BUA has solidified its reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing and reputable companies with business interests spanning critical sectors of the African economy. With its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, BUA has expanded its business operations in the past few years to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area through exports.
.About BUA Group
Established in 1988, BUA Group is one of Africa’s largest diversified groups operating out of Nigeria with its key interests in foods, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure. Its vision is to unlock opportunities that will drive sustainable development whilst providing value to all stakeholders and the African continent. The Group’s investments span the following sectors: Cement, Sugar, Flour, Pasta, Steel, Rice, Real Estate, Energy, Logistics, Ports and Terminals with a core focus on building local manufacturing capacity to generate employment, and provide high quality products and develop the African continent. www.buagroup.com
Business
Zenith Bank Says It Now Has best IT infrastructure After Successful Upgrade, Commends Customers
Zenith Bank Says It Now Has best IT infrastructure After Successful Upgrade, Commends Customers
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Zenith Bank Plc has announced that it now boasts the best technology infrastructure in the banking industry, positioning itself to provide an exceptional customer experience and superior service delivery moving forward.
This upgrade follows a recent comprehensive technology enhancement.
The bank expressed its heartfelt gratitude to customers for their support and patience throughout the upgrade process, while also extending apologies for any inconveniences experienced during this time.
This announcement was made in a social media post on Wednesday, signed by Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the Group Managing Director/CEO.
In her message, the GMD/CEO emphasized the bank’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled service experience, stating, “We undertook this upgrade to ensure we can offer our customers the best possible service.”
Umeoji pledged that Zenith Bank will continue to innovate, ensuring that customer needs are met swiftly, safely, and conveniently.
The post read in part: “On behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of Zenith Bank PLC, I would like to thank you for your patience and support during our IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.
“We are truly grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in us. The primary reason for undertaking this extensive endeavor was to better position Zenith Bank PLC for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and to create memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints.
“While I regret the inconveniences and challenges you faced during and immediately after our migration, I am pleased to inform you that Zenith Bank PLC now has the best technology infrastructure in the industry. We are committed to ensuring you experience superior service delivery going forward.
“Rest assured, you remain our top priority, and Zenith Bank will continue to innovate and offer value-added products and services to meet all your banking needs quickly, safely, and conveniently.”
Business
Polaris Bank Clinches “Best Mobile App” Award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024
Polaris Bank Clinches “Best Mobile App” Award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Polaris Bank’s commitment to digital innovation and excellence has once again been recognized, as the Bank was awarded the prestigious “Best Mobile App” award for its renowned digital banking platform, VULTe, at the Digital Jurist Awards held October 31 at Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
This honor comes less than a week after Polaris Bank was named Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, further solidifying its status as a leader in Nigeria’s digital banking landscape.
At the event, attended by representatives from all nominated companies, Polaris Bank’s VULTe app stood out among its peers, winning the hearts of users and the recognition of industry experts.
The Digital Jurist Awards Committee had nominated Polaris Bank in three categories: Best Website, Best Web Portal, and Best Mobile App.
The Bank’s innovative approach and customer-centric digital solutions have made it a formidable contender in each category, with VULTe’s win affirming the Bank’s continued drive to redefine digital banking in Nigeria.
Commenting on the the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to providing seamless, reliable, and secure digital solutions.
“This award continuously shows our dedication to delivering the best digital experiences to our customers. We will continue to push the boundaries of innovation to ensure that our platforms remain intuitive, accessible, and impactful,” he said.
Polaris Bank’s VULTe app has gained widespread acclaim for its user-friendly design, robust security features, and diverse functionalities, enabling customers to manage their banking needs from the comfort of their devices.
Winning the “Best Mobile App” award is yet another milestone in the Bank’s digital journey, reinforcing its position as a digital pioneer in Nigeria’s banking sector.
The Bank extends its gratitude to the Digital Jurist Awards Committee and its loyal customers for their continued trust and support.
Polaris Bank is committed to advancing digital banking in Nigeria, creating convenient, modern, and secure solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its customers.
Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2024,2023, 2022 and 2021 and MSME Bank of the Year 2022, 2023 and 2024 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
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