Syringe company endorsed by former Akwa Ibom governor shuts down

Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Ltd., a syringe company that set up in Akwa Ibom in 2016 with the backing of the state government, has ended its operations just months after Gov. Udom Emmanuel left office.

The company, led by a Turkish national, Onur Kumral, was one of the multiple businesses attracted to Akwa Ibom by Gov. Emmanuel, who left office in May.

Its main plant at the governor’s hometown, Awa, in Onna local government area, was opened by then-vice president Yemi Osinbajo inaugurated in 2017, with the capacity to produce 400 million syringes annually.

Chief executive Kumral said the syringe firm and a flour mill he also spearheaded in the state employed about 2000 people directly.

The firm says it has suspended operations due to “unforeseen circumstances affecting business operations”. While operations stopped months earlier, the firm made a formal announcement on December 31, 2023, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

“Temporary redundancy”

In a memo addressed to all the workers, shared with journalists, the company said that all positions had been placed on “temporary redundancy” effective Jan. 1, 2024.

“It is with a heavy heart that we write to you today to communicate a challenging decision that Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing company limited has had to make due to unforeseen circumstances affecting our business operations,” it said to staff.

“After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of our current business situation, we regret to inform you that we must implement temporary measures to ensure the long term sustainability of the company.

“Unfortunately, this includes placing all positions including yours on temporary redundancy effective January 1, 2024.

“We want to emphasise that this decision is not a reflection of your individual performance or dedication to the company. The challenging business environment we find ourselves in, has compelled us to take these difficult steps.

“Please return all company belongings in your custody.”