Philip Morris, tobacco firm partner on Nigeria manufacturing

Chief Executive, Al Mansour Holding Company, Mostafa Abboud; Managing Director, International Tobacco Company, Medhat Badr; Governor, Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed represented by Commissioner for Agriculture, Kwara State, Adegoke Bamidele; and Managing Director, Philip Morris Limited, Coskun Dicle at the official launch of the local manufacturing partnership between PML and ITC in Kwara State.

Philip Morris Limited (PML), a subsidiary of Philip Morris International (PMI) in Nigeria, has partnered with International Tobacco Company Limited (ITC) to manufacture one of PMI’s leading brands in Nigeria.

The event was held recently at ITC’s factory at Ilorin, Kwara State.The managing director, (PML) Coskun Kagan Dicle, noted that PML will be investing in technology and capacity building at ITC’s factory, creating additional employment opportunities and contributing to the local as well as national economy of Nigeria.

‘‘We strongly believe that investing in local manufacturing is the right thing for the future as it contributes to the Nigerian Government’s efforts to strengthen the economy and reduce the dependency on oil. It will also benefit all parties, which includes, our consumers will have their preferred brand readily available at the highest quality standards, our partners will enjoy improved capacity utilization of their facilities, and the local community will benefit from the micro-economy boost and new employment opportunities. We are here to provide a choice to those consumers who choose to continue to smoke, and we are here to make a positive contribution to the Nigerian economy for the long term.” Dicle said.

He noted the achievements that PML has made in less than two years of operations in Nigeria, attributing it to PMI’s global strategy to deliver long-term sustainable growth and the passion of local employees. He further explained that, the start of local manufacturing is just the beginning of various planned investments in the Nigerian economy by PML.

“PML and ITC are eager to become an integral part of Nigeria’s drive to strengthen the economy through creation of jobs, more foreign direct investment, and tax payments, while upholding the highest standards as socially responsible companies.”

‘‘PMI is the world’s leading international tobacco company, with six of the world’s top 15 international brands and products sold in more than 180 markets. In addition to the manufacture and sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products, He added that PMI is engaged in the development and commercialization of reduced-risk products(“RRPs”).