Several weeks after the company denied reports that it intends to leave Nigeria or relocate its operations to Ghana, Guinness Nigerian Plc, the Nigerian subsidiary of British multinational beverage and alcoholic firm has formally opened its new £6.2 million ultra-modern headquarters located at Cocoa Industries Road, Ogba, Lagos.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Guinness Nigeria, Dr Omobola Johnson, said the ceremony also doubled as a celebration of the 72nd Anniversary of Guinness Nigeria’s consistent business in the country.
According to reports, the Guinness Nigeria complex has a bar, game room, gymnasium and modern office facilities among others.
Johnson noted that the world-class edifice was a testament of the Guinness brand’s confidence in continuing to do business in Nigeria and had rested rumours that the company was relocating from the country.
In her words, “It is a testament that Guinness is here to stay and committed to doing business in Nigeria.’’
She pointed out that the modern edifice shows the culture Guinness stands for and the company’s aspirations for the future.
Delineating on the development, she said, “It is about working well, living well and also playing well.’’
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, thanked Guinness Nigeria for playing a critical role in the food and beverage sector.
The DG, who was represented by the Director, Food, Safety and Applied Nutrition, NAFDAC, Mrs Eva Edwards, averred that the regulatory agency would continue to support Guinness to ensure the success of its business in Nigeria.
On his part, Mark Sandys, Global Head of Beer, Baileys and Smirnoff, Diageo Group, said Nigeria forms a special place in the history of Guinness being the second place the beer was brewed after Ireland.
He added that the new headquarters was a clear indication of the company’s confidence in Guinness Nigeria based on its performance in the country.
It’s important to note that in March, Guinness Nigeria reiterated its confidence in the Nigerian economy as it dismissed reports that it plans to leave Nigeria after establishing in Nigeria since 1950.
The group reiterated its commitment to remaining in the country and delivering value to its stakeholders and consumers, maintaining that the rumour making rounds was at variance with the company’s current expansion and drive with the acquisition of a 25acres commercial property in a choice location in Lagos.
