E-Malt.com News article: Nigeria: PABOD Breweries may lose N200 million in lawsuit with Nigerian Breweries

Rivers State owned PABOD Breweries limited may lose more than N200million if judgement on the suit between it and the Nigerian Breweries Plc is delayed beyond May 2, 2008, The Tide News reported April 18.

The Nigerian Breweries Plc had slammed a perpetual injunction against PABOD Breweries Limited from bottling the Grand Larger Beer in a bottle which they claimed is a semblance of the Star Larger Beer bottle.

Ruling on the matter had been shifted for two consecutive times. The court which was billed to rule on the matter on April 3, later adjourned to May 2, following the transfer of Justice Buba, the presiding judge to the Federal High Court, Jos.

Speaking during a familiarization tour by the Rives State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon Robert Elleh, the chairman, Board of Directors of the company, Pastor Christopher Briggs said that PABOD stands to lose the sum if ruling is not given on that date.

Pastor Briggs, who described the suit as a trade war between the two breweries however, expressed optimism that PABOD would win the suit.

He said that PABOD had not infringed on the right of anybody, but expressed concern over the incessant adjournments.

According to the board chairman, who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the company represents the flagship of government to revamp its ailing industries.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Commerce/Industry, Hon Robert Elleh said that the government would partner with the company to ensure the creation of employment opportunities for youths.

Hon Elleh said that the government would not relent in its effort to ensure that PABOD produces at full capacity.

He said that the quality of facilities at the company showed that it was fully back on stream.

Also at PABOD, the acting general manager, Mr Sam D. Williamson said that the company will expand its operation to include the production of non alcoholic beverages.

He called for the support of the government especially in the provision of alternative source of energy as the company had been running its generators and boilers on diesel.


23 April, 2008