Oil giant Total reveals plans to build N40m soap manufacturing factory in Akwa Ibom State

OIL giant Total has announced plans to build a N40m ($110,815) soap manufacturing plant at Ekpene Ukim in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom as part of the ongoing process to add value to Nigeria's petroleum products.

Currently the world's sixth largest crude oil exporter, Nigeria has struggled to add value to her petroleum products, which has limited the returns the industry gets. Over recent years, successive governments have sought to address this problem by getting the numerous oil companies that operate in the country to build manufacturing and processing facilities in the Niger Delta.

Yesterday in Port Harcourt, Francois Le-Cocq, the deputy managing director of Total Exploration and Production, said the new project was part of the company's corporate social responsibility drive. He added that the project was to compliment the present administration’s efforts at boosting the industrial base of Akwa Ibom State, adding that the plant, when completed, would create 48 direct jobs and 100 indirect jobs.

Mr Le-Cocq said: “This project is estimated to cost about N40 m and has the potential of creating 48 direct and 100 indirect jobs within the communities. We have done this because we believe that it will go a long way to engineer the further development of the local economy in a sustainable manner.”

He advised the local community to provide an enabling and conducive environment for the contractors handling the project. According to Mr Le-Cocq, Total will continue to work towards the creation and support for small and medium sized self-sustaining business opportunities in local communities, as they are the bedrock for future growth.

Philip Desrach, Total's business and enterprise development manager, said the soap plant was part of efforts by the company to empower people of the area. He added: “This will also help to promote a harmonious relationship between the company and the people."

Edidem Edet Akpan, the paramount ruler of Itu, commended Total for the project and urged it to continue to roll out programmes and projects that would positively touch the lives of the people. “If other companies have been doing this, youths restiveness will be a thing of the past,” he added.

Gregory Akpan, the youth leader in the area, appreciated Total for embarking on the projects and promised that they would create the needful conducive environment for the contractors to operate.