Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday inaugurated Kimberly Clark’s new factory estimated to worth millions of dollars in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The plant was built by the diaper brand, Kimberly Clark, in furtherance of the company’s vision to provide “better care for a better world”.
The new manufacturing facility is equipped with enhanced technology and capabilities to better serve its consumers.
Other dignitaries present at the launch included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo; Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba; Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen; and a member of the House of Representative (Ikorodu constituency), Babajimi Benson.
Others are United States Consul General, Claire Pierangelo; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mansur Ahmed; Chief Executive Officer, American Business Council, Margaret Olele; among others.
Speaking at the inauguration, Osinbajo lauded the project as one that is strategically aligned with the present administration’s drive for domestic production and human capital development.
He said, “Kimberly-Clark West Africa has grown from just being an investor in Nigeria to a formidable partner in the actualisation of Nigeria’s economic objectives, by adding value through diversification. The company has led, commendably, important social investments, including, sponsoring the education of the Dream catchers who danced here, just a few moments ago. This factory, I trust, will only signal the beginning of greater investment in this and other sectors.”
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu said the project would provide employment opportunities to Ikorodu residents and also open up investment opportunities in the state.
He said, “We are excited and happy with the value to Ikorodu and its environs. We are taking up the challenge to ensure an enabling environment for investors to thrive, and bring succour to the people of Ikorodu. And so, I want to join everyone to thank and congratulate Kimberly-Clark for this great feat. As a government, we will continue to open up and continue to give opportunities to everyone.”
The US Consul-General, Claire Pierangelo, also commended the company’s investment in the country and reiterated the pride at its fulfilled promise and achievements despite the challenges associated with, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Acting Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Kimberly-Clark, Middle East, and Africa, Fernando Baticon, commented on the importance of the Nigerian market to Kimberly-Clark.
He said, “Nigeria is one of our top priority markets. This is one of our most substantial investments on the continent. Our plan is to increase and strengthen our presence here. Our new state-of-the-art mill is a symbol of our commitment to this country and the opportunity for growth that exists.”
The General Manager, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, Vani Malik, reiterated the company’s commitment to investing in the country’s socio-economic development and growth.
Malik said, “It has been our long-term objective to strengthen our organisation’s presence and investments in Nigeria, and today, almost 10 years on, with over $100m in FDI, we are proud to unveil our new factory here in Ikorodu, Lagos State.”
