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Tag: industries

  • Agency pushes for prioritisation of Ajaokuta, other metal industries

    Agency pushes for prioritisation of Ajaokuta, other metal industries

    The Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS) has pushed for the prioritisation of Ajaokuta steel company and other metal industries.

    The society which commended the President for creating the Ministry of Steel Development for better coordination, urged for the revitalisation of Ajaokuta and the other metal companies.

    NMS further tasked the federal government to invests in small and medium cottage metallurgical industries to address the increasing unemployment in the country.

    These are some of the suggestions contained in the society’s communique, following its discussions at the 38th Conference And Annual General Meeting that was held in Benue State.

    The Communique which was signed by the President of the NMS, Prof. Oyihi Oloche, further urged the government to, “pursue a policy aimed at production of materials critical to proffering solutions for unemployment through a determined implementable and sustainable policy and plan of action for the development of indigenous technology.

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    “Reliable and sustainable materials are fundamental to every country that needs to improve the social well-being of its citizens, therefore integrating all exploitable metals is a viable way of achieving stability in security, energy and reducing unemployment.

    “The role of iron and steel industry in the drive for national industrialization and economic growth is vital and strategic, encouraged that government should as a matter of urgency, develop the metallurgical policy and the enabling environment to operationalize the metal sector”.

    Prof. Oloche said all necessary government policies should be put in place and their implementation vigorously pursued to actualize the establishment and operationalization of cottage and small scale metallurgical industries.

  • Now, Osun needs industries – APC guber aspirant

    Ayoade Afolabi Lawal, an engineer, is a governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. He spoke about his plans for the state in an encounter with Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    A GUBERNATORIAL aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Ayoade Afolabi Lawal, has said the decision to serve his people and community is more of divine call. The youthful politician added that his governorship aspiration is borne out of the resolve to make a mark by moving Osun State to the next level. The current administration under Governor Rauf Aregbesola, he said, has tried its best though there is need to make certain corrections in some areas.

    “The current government has embarked on aggressive infrastructural development and the next stage is to attract real investors to the state so that we will reap the benefits of Governor Aregbesola’s investment in infrastructure. And with my knowledge as an engineer, the state of the living spring will wear a new look during my regime as a governor,” Ayoade, who insisted that the APC remains the party to beat in the election, said.

    The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife trained engineer harped on the need to attract investors to the state and galvanize the “use of metal and wood to set the state on the path of industrial progress”. Speaking to The Nation in Lagos, he promised to turn the state to another industrial centre, stressing that Osun now possesses the capacity to rival Lagos in industrial advancement, if the right man is given the chance to lead the state.

    An indigene of Iwo, Lawal added that his educational background, experiences as a Chemical Engineer with frontline oil companies in Nigeria, has undoubtedly amplified his determination to engage the youths of the state positively, hence the reason he seeks the support of all and sundry in the state towards the actualisation of his gubernatorial ambition.

    He explained that aside industries, which he intend to attract to the state in droves, Osun has a lot of tourism potentials that can be turned into instant goldmines. “As a state blessed with numerous world recognised tourist centres, I will leverage on our culture and tourism endowments to boost economic growth and accelerated entrepreneurial independence amongst the youths.

    “My political ambition is defined by my willingness to help the poor and the needy in order to bring happiness to the greatest numbers of Osun people. This clarion call, to my surprise, was  endorsed by majority of the leaders of my darling party, the APC. My main focus is industrialisation and it will be implemented in sectors like agriculture, education, security, health and others.

    “Building of agro allied companies to increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state and enable people to have access to quality food will be prioritised. Redefining the youths by setting up meaningful employment through agriculture will help us to put a stop to vices in the state. These are some of my lofty ideas which I believe are doable by God’s grace and with the support of people of Osun State,” he added.

    “My government will support farming fully as we will introduce modern farming equipment to the state. Nigeria as a whole needs to go back to farming because that is our traditional way of life that can improve our resources. We should stop depending on oil money to move and take our nation higher. Farming can also give a state and its people good wealth and development.

    Let us remember that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a successful farmer and most of our leaders in Nigeria today benefited from his free education in the old western region. So, I will not handle agriculture with levity when I become the governor. We will also increase our agricultural production capacity. At the same time, we will attract industries to create jobs for the youths and boost the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of Osun State,” he explained.

    Speaking further on his ambition, Lawal said ”I’m the right man to succeed Ogbeni Aregbesola as governor of Osun State and I believe the masses of our dear state will vote for me because of my experience and the many meaningful projects APC-led administration have done  in the state. I may not have held any political office before now, but I have the conscience of a good leader.”

    He submitted that with the efforts put into governance by the current APC administration under Aregbesola, the party remains the darling of the good people of Osun State who are still yearning for more dividends of good governance and democracy. “Under my watch, all men and women will have a voice in decision making as I’m going to run an all-inclusive regime”.

    In his mid-forties, Lawal says he fits the bill of those calling for younger persons in government but he was quick to add that experience is needed in governance whether the person is young or old. He added that he has a very cordial relationship with the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Aregbesola, who he described as a fantastic engineer as shown by his aggressive replacement of rotten infrastructure in the state.

    He praised Aregbesola for laying the foundation for the subsequent development of the state, saying the governor showed an unusual enthusiasm for development. “I am optimistic that the challenges in Osun State are temporary. But most people don’t look at future but only at what they want to benefit at the present. The benefits of some of the APC projects in the state are not immediate but they will have a long lasting impact on the people.

    “If we are to be realistic with ourselves, our state has witnessed massive development during Ogbeni’s two terms in office. I am sure we are going to see more before the end of his tenure. This is the legacy I want to build on if elected as the next governor of our dear state. I have no doubt in my mind that with the laudable achievements of the current administration, APC will win the next election,” Lawal noted.

    Lawal added that when he assumes office as governor, he will be going to schools to teach basic science subjects once weekly so as to understand the mental ability of the pupils and also organise needed trainings for teachers in the state. He added that he will make sure basic education is back fully in Osun State. “I will pay the teachers well and promptly while also encouraging them to always teach the students the way we were taught in the olden days,” he vowed.

  • Turkish association to increase electrical products in Nigeria

    Turkish association to increase electrical products in Nigeria

    Members of the Turkish Electro-Technology Exporters’ Association( TET )), a professional body representing over 7,500 member companies, on Tuesday expressed its readiness to increase their electrical products in the Nigerian market.

    Mr Mehmet Kavaklioglu,Vice Chairman of  the TET Board, who spoke on behalf of the association, said in Lagos that Nigeria was an expanding business destination.

    Kavaklioglu, who led a trade mission of 23 Turkish electrical manufacturing companies to Nigeria, said that the companies were prepared to take advantage of Nigeria’s increasing population for Turkish electrical products.

    “We are really targeting some world markets for our electrical products, and Nigeria is one of our target markets.

    “We really see new business opportunities in Nigeria, as a country with big population and a large market for our products.

    Read also: FG denies plan to extradite 1000 Turkish nationals

    “We do know that there are already some of our Turkish electrical manufacturing companies doing businesses in Nigeria.

    “But this is not enough. We are set to increase our business potential and opportunities that currently exist in the Nigerian electrical industry,’’ he said.

    Kavaklioglu said companies on the trade mission represented Turkish companies drawn from consumer electronics and appliances,
    lighting, cables, electrical transmission and distribution equipment, industrial automation products and specialised cables.

    The Vice Chairman said that the trade mission, which had visited Nigeria in 2011, visited again to meet with Nigerians through Business-to- Business interactions.

    He said the trade mission had also interacted with different Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industries, as well as with stakeholders in Nigeria’s electrical distribution companies.

    According to him, Turkey’s fast-growing electronics, white goods and electrical components sector annually exports over 10 billion dollars in goods to the global market.

    The National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has beefed up trade ties with Turkey, the 18th largest economy in the world.

    The trade volume between the two countries was at about $2.7billion in 2016.

    NAN

  • ‘Govt working to revitalise industries’

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah said the ministry is strategising to revitalise ailing industries in the country.

    It also coming up with strategies to promote the patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods and services and attract both local and foreign investments.

    The minister stated this at the management retreat for the ministry and its parastatals in Makurdi, Benue State at the weekend. He stated that this year’s management retreat is therefore significant in view of the great expectation of Nigerian citizens from government for a rapid turn around of the nation’s economy.

    He said: “This retreat will help create a conducive platform for the top management of the ministry and its parastatals to brainstorm and discuss the newly launched Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and evolve strategies for achieving industrial targets in the plan document.

    “It will discuss topical issues relating to inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Nigeria; provide input for the finalisation of the draft strategic plan for the Ministry and its parastatals; promote inter-agency collaboration, create synergies and mobilise support for efficiency through joint programmes project and activities.

    “ United Nations Development Organisation (UNIDO) has been collaborating with the ministry in the implementation of its key mandate by providing requisite technical support within the framework of the ongoing country programme. It is reassuring that the 2012-2016 country programme has been extended to June 2017. As a follow up, a new programme is being put in place for the period of 2017-2021.”

    Enalemah said the committee is working on poverty reduction through productive activities, trade capacity building, energy and environment. “I am optimistic that the retreat will generate ideas with desired outcomes and implementable strategies,” he said.

    The Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, said the retreat will serve as platform for cross fertilisation of ideas and strategies for implementing the economic recovery and growth plan.

  • EU intensifies push for Nigeria to endorse EPA deal

    EU intensifies push for Nigeria to endorse EPA deal

    The European Union (EU) has continued its push to get Nigeria endorse the controversial Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), insisting that with globalization, Nigeria cannot live in isolation as it will hurt her economy.

    The propriety or otherwise of Nigeria signing into the EPA has since pitched manufacturers and other members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) against the EU, with most of them insisting that signing the agreement as it  is presently will hurt the manufacturing sector and the economy generally.

    But the EU appears unimpressed by such argument and has, therefore, continued its push to get Nigeria ratify the EPA deal. At a dialogue session on Nigeria International Trade Relations organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), last week, Head of Trade & Economics of the EU in Nigeria and West Africa, Fillippo Amato, said Nigeria has nothing to fear as far as EPA is concerned.

    He said the EU has shown goodwill with the release of 12 million euro to support the enhancement of the National Quality Infrastructure, to improve quality, safety, integrity and marketability of Nigerian goods and services.

    He wondered how smaller African countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Gambia, Cameroun, Mauritania and the Southern African countries have signed on as a result of improved quality of production as against Nigeria with her large population.

    On how Nigeria can tap into the European market, Amato said it is only through the improvement of her production processes.

    Nigeria is already loosing so much by the rejection of beans and other export products to the EU because of the presence of a pesticide known as dichlorvos, which is harmful to health. Amato regretted that more than 70 percent of beans exported to the EU from Nigeria contained pesticide.

    The EU boss, however, stated that that EU is working with the relevant government agencies to address the problem.

    Some of the agencies include the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) among others.

    While noting that there is no short cut to standardization, he said Nigeria must do all within her means to improve on her products both for export and internal consumption. He said the EU has 100 per cent immediate market opening for products from West Africa and 75 per cent gradual market opening over a 20 year period for products from the EU.

    LCCI President Mrs. Nike Akande while denouncing multiple charges on manufacturers by the regulatory agencies urged government on the need for diversification. She stated that no country is fully self-sufficient, urging the government to come out with consistent and sustainable policies on trade relations.

    “Our huge population is a plus for investors. Return on Investment (RoI) is one of the highest globally, but as a country we need to strengthen our competitiveness by creating an enabling environment on the supply side,” Akande said.

     

  • Minister advises industries on quality

    The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aishat Abubakar, has advised industries to look inward to achieve the made-in-Nigeria products vision.

    She minister gave the advice during an assessment visit to Lucky Fibres Limited, makers of Nobel rugs and carpets in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

    Inspecting the company’s production facilities, Hajia Abubakar expressed satisfaction that the carpets and rugs are produced in Nigeria and exported to  neighbouring  countries, such as Ghana, Republic of Benin and Ethiopia, among others.

    The minister assured the company of the government’s commitment to ensuring that all textile products are of good quality to meet international standards, urging the company to devise means of working with local manufacturers to achieve the plan in governmet’s vision.

    “You need to exercise more patience because we don’t want to address a part of the problem, but we are putting a holistic approach in place. It is not just this sector, but for all the sectors.

    “You, manufacturers should also be watchdogs for one another because government might not see all the lapses. But when you identify any challenge that threatens your work, approach us and let us see what we can do to help,” Abubakar noted.

    Speaking on the company’s challenges in meeting international standards, the Senior Human Resources Manager for Lucky Fibres Limited, Mrs. Kemi Ajibade, lamented the impact of activities of smugglers who take advantage of Nigeria’s illegal borders to import sub-quality carpets and rugs into the country.

    According to Ajibade, an average Nigerian cannot identify quality products, but will rather buy what is affordable in the market even if it does not serve for a long time. She, therefore, urged the government to address the activities of smugglers.

    “If you visit Alaba Market, you will see different kinds of sub-standard carpets and rugs for sale,” she lamented, noting that the company imports some of its production materials like polypropylene (PP). “This is because local manufacturers could not meet the quality that our machine can work with. The machine is the latest in the industry and only works with high quality fibres,” she added.

    The General Manager of Lucky Fibres, Mr. Jitesh Pamnani, thanked the minister for the inspection, promising that the company will continue to introduce the best machine, technology and manpower to keep the industry flourishing.

  • Minister laments dearth of industries

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment,  Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah has described as scandalous the sorry state of the nation’s industries, saying a situation where Nigeria in the 21st century is battling to industrialise and expect her products to compete with nations whose industrial revolutions took place centuries ago is proving difficult.

    Enelamah who spoke during his maiden meeting with Chief Executives of agencies under his ministry and the Heads of Department of the Ministry in Abuja, said: “There was no rocket science in massive industrialisation and foreign direct investment as government will not compromise on the policy of ease of doing business in Nigeria.”

    While pledging his commitment to ensure complete industrialisation of the country as well as attract investment from both local and international partners as well as restoring order in the operations and management of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria through inter-agency synergy and collaborations, the minister however warned that the current administration would not spare any Ministry and Department Agencies of government that becomes a clog in the wheel of national aspiration of simplifying operational requirements for investors who want to invest in the economy.

  • Daikin Industries assures local manufacturing of air conditioners

    Daikin’s President, Middle East & Africa, Daikin Industries Limited, Mr Sano Ryoji, has said Nigeria is the most important market to its air conditioners brand in Africa.

    Speaking in Lagos, the firm’s chief said because of this, the company would soon start the manufacturing of the Japanese brand in Nigeria, adding that it might take off with the completely knockdown units (CKU).

    Ryoji said: “Nigeria’s energy consumption is central in the choice of an air conditioner. Closely related to the inverter advantage, is that Daikin air conditioners have built -in protection against unstable power supply and blackout. This eliminates the need for an AVS device or stabiliser. The built-in voltage protection makes it possible for Daikin to operate as low as 198V and as high as 264V, without compromising cooling comfort. (The standard voltage operating range is 220V-240V)

    The firm’s Middle East and Africa Regional Director, Mohammed Miraj Abass, said: “Outdoor air has many atmospheric and corrosive pollutants, such as dust, humidity, and rain, that damage the heat exchanger coils of air conditioners. To guard against damage to the heat exchanger coils, Daikin uses as standard, blue fin protection on the heat exchanger, with high anti-corrosion properties. This ensures optimal cooling performance in any location.’’

     

     

    On why the company’s air conditioners are better, Abass said: “The heart of any air conditioner is the compressor. Daikin air conditioners come with highly durable compressors with operating range up to 54 degrees centigrade ambient. The combination of highly resilient compressor and blue fin protection, means the cooling performance remains intact irrespective of the operating environment.”

    The brand, Abass said, takes indoor comfort seriously. Superior indoor air quality is guaranteed through the combination of filtration and mould proof operation, he said, adding that their customers should not be disturbed if they noticed the indoor unit fan still working after the unit has been switched off. “This is necessary for the unit to dry any residual condensation to avoid mould formation and subsequent odour,’’ he said.  He listed other features of the product to include turbo mode, and sleep mode.

    Daikin’s after-sales are provided by Panaserv Nigeria Limited, which has centres in major cities.

     

  • Dangote Industries strengthens relationship with CNN International

    Dangote Industries strengthens relationship with CNN International

    Amajor Africa’s largest business conglomerates, Dangote Industries Limited, is deepening its relationship with CNN International by renewing on-air and digital sponsorship of the prestigious ‘Facetime’ segment within CNN Marketplace Africa.

    CNN Marketplace Africa is a weekly show on CNN International which offers a unique window into African business. The new edition of the show is hosted by British-Nigerian CNN anchor Zain Asher, who breaks down the economic trends affecting Africa, interviewing business leaders making and shaping the continent.

    The ‘Facetime’ element within the programme is a high-profile segment in which a major player from the global business community is interviewed about Africa business matters. On-air content is complemented by distinctive online editorial at a ‘CNN Marketplace Africa’ microsite, where popular and innovative content is shared across a range of social channels.

    Since taking over as full-time host in May this year, Zain Asher has interviewed esteemed ‘Facetime’ guests including: Patrice Motsepe, founder and Executive Chairman, African Rainbow Minerals; Russell Stokes, CEO, GE Transportation; Kofi Anan, former UN Secretary General; Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UNWTO and Maria Ramos, CEO, Barclays Africa.

    In addition, Dangote Industries Limited is sponsoring a new segment, ‘Africa Now’, to air within ‘The Business View’.

    Dangote Industries Limited’s sponsorship of ‘Africa Now’ is aimed at raising the profile of the business across the continent and outside of Africa among CNN’s unrivalled affluent audience. The campaign spans TV sponsorship, spot advertising and digital components.

    Africa Now examining how business in Africa has an impact beyond the continent, will air as part of CNN’s dedicated month focusing on Africa, a series of special features and programmes about Africa throughout October.

    It started early this month and airing each subsequent Monday throughout the month, Africa Now will cover topics such as: innovation, workforce trends, education and economics, with a particular emphasis on empowering Africa; growth and development on the continent.

    Speaking on the development, Antonio Canto, Vice President, Advertising Sales, EMEA, CNN International said: “This is an ideal time for Dangote Industries to consolidate its presence on CNN through the renewal of Facetime on CNN Marketplace Africa and the launch of   Africa Now. At a time when there is a thirst for content on Africa, the sponsorships reflect Dangote’s role in promoting pan African business and its corporate social responsibility activity through the Dangote Foundation.”

  • N100b investments in steel industries at risk

    Over N100bilion investments by private steel manufacturing companies in the country are at the risk of being eroded if urgent steps are not taken by the Federal Government to address challenges besetting the sector, experts have said.

    Raising the alarm on Monday in Lagos was the management staff of African Industries Group and owners of African Foundries Limited, the largest steel manufacturing company operating in the company.

    Giving the report of the nation’s steel sector, the Chief Operating Officer (Steel), African Industries Group, Mr Sanjay Kumar said there are over 30 private steel plants producing various steel products in the country with investments that  are over N100billion since inception, adding that the investments could be jeopardised if nothing meaningful was done to address the issues bedevilling the sector.

    He said: “Already, about four steel plants have completely shut down and more will follow soon because many are currently operating below 30% of production capacity. Most of these steel plants are now operating two weeks a month and are closed for the remaining two weeks of the month due to lack of demand. Cost of restarting each time is very high and adds to the cost burden of the ailing steel companies. Steel consumption is largely driven by government initiative on infrastructure projects.”

    The best way to rescue the steel sector from collapse, he said, “Is for the federal government to make a definite policy of patronising made in Nigeria steel products (iron rods) for all government projects and give specific directive to all their contractors to buy made in Nigeria iron 30% of production capacity.

    “There is complete neglect of the involvement of the players in the steel sector in the formulation of the Nigeria industrial policy. All over the world, due to importance of steel in the development of the economy, the views and opinions of the key players from steel industry are usually sought and obtained by the government in the formulation of economic policies as being done for the oil or financial sectors. Unfortunately in Nigeria, the steel sector has been left out all these years,” he regretted.

    Kumar, who disclosed that African Industries Group is the largest steel manufacturing group in Nigeria, added that the group has four steel manufacturing plants at Ogijo (Ogun State), Ikorodu (Lagos State) and Suleja (Niger State).

    “African Foundries (AFL), the flagship company of African Industries Group is one of the few steel companies  in Nigeria  producing  iron rods meeting British standard (BS 4449-2005 Grade B500B). It has capacity to produce 0.5 million tons of BS 4449-2005 Grade B500B Iron rods. AFL has international standard testing laboratory equipped to measure mechanical and chemical properties of Iron rods and automatically test its geometry done in European steel plants. AFL follows all management practices laid under IFC and World Bank guidelines.”

    The African Industries Group boss recalled that African Industries got involved in the steel manufacturing in their quest to meet a gap between demand and supply at the beginning of democratic dispensation in Nigeria in 1999.

    “At that point in time the government started with the rebuilding of infrastructure and there was a clarion call for direct foreign investment. There was confidence in the Federal Republic of Nigeria for foreign investors to invest because of the democratic ideals.  Furthermore, we wanted to be part of the foundation of the industrial policy of Nigeria knowing too well there would not be any concrete industrial revolution without Steel,” he stated.

    He however, urged the government to create a special power tariff for the steel industry and make available an intervention fund at lower interest costs to prevent the immediate collapse of this private steel industry where many are operating below 30percent capacity and overburdened with high interest costs, while waivers/concession may not stop completely for certain infrastructural development, the portion of iron rod importation in any waiver should be expunged.

    Also, the Director-General , Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumudu, said most products, including steel products being manufactured in the country are of high qualityand can compete favourably with their counterparts in the global market.

    The SON boss, who was represented by Mr. Bede Obayi, Director, Inspectorate and Compliance, SON, canvassed patronage, saying that such is the only way to encourage local manufacturers.

    “For every products imported into the country, we are exporting jobs out of Nigeria.This is the age of diversification. It is very critical that we patronise made in Nigeria products,” he stressed.

    Also, Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Remi Ogunmefun, said the steel industry all over the world plays a strong role in development.

    “Europe, America, developed their industry and that has been the base of development. The steel industry in Nigeria is facing some challenges. One of the areas hurting is patronage. The issue is so simple we have to convince government and put pressure on them on the need to patronise Nigeria made products. Nigerian products are good. Our products can stand out anywhere in the world. This is the age of diversification. We have to create policies that will change the sorry situation,” he said.