From hitherto N2, 000 plus, price of cement crashed to N1, 400 and every stakeholder applauded the positive development as a boost to housing delivery and construction sector.
As if the price reduction had not gotten to the desired level, cement stakeholders last year promised further price cut down by 20% in 2011. This was the position of Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria CMAN as announced by its Chairman, Joseph Makoju.
Indigenous manufacturers raised hope of crash in cement prices in the country with a projection that output will soon hit about 30 million metric tons per annum.
Nigeria is said to require about 15.5 million metric tons to meet its current national demand of per annum, local manufacturers supply hover at about 11.5 million metric tons, while importation close up the number.
However, projections of output rise are hinged on the success of the various expansion projects being undertaken by the manufacturers as some of the projects are scheduled to boast market output by 2011 and early 2012.
Suffice at this point to take a cursory look at Nigeria cement firms. It consists of four major producers, namely Lafarge WAPCO, Dangote Cement industries, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria and Ashaka Cement.
Both Lafarge and Ashaka Cement have a combine 40 per cent share of the market while Dangote Group a majority stakeholder in Obajana and Benue Cement has an estimated 55 percent share of the Nigerian cement market.
Engineer Makoju, Special Assistant to the president of Dangote Cement, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said that the group‘s Obajana Cement Plant is currently being expanded to add five million metric tonnes per annum to its initial five million metric tonnes production capacity.
The group is also speeding up the construction of its Greenfield cement plant at Ibese, Ogun State, which will yield another five million metric tonnes. Another of its subsidiary, Benue Cement Company Plc, is currently producing about five million metric tonnes per annum.
Dangote Cement, a member of the Dangote Group came into the cement manufacturing with a bang, building the biggest cement plant in West Africa at Obajana, Kogi State, which currently has two production lines producing 5 million metric tons of cement per annum. The third production line is nearing completion to add another 5.5 million metric tons on completion.
Already, its Gboko plant, currently producing 3 million metric tons is also undergoing upgrading to add another 1 million metric tons to bring it to 4 million metric tons per annum.
Besides, Dangote group is prosecuting a $680 million third plant at its Ibeshe Cement plant in Ogun State which when completed kicks off production by June. The plant is adding 6 million metric tons per annum.
With this, Dangote cement alone would be churning out 20 million metric tons per annum from its three plants whose distribution cycle covers the whole country.
Firm such as Larfarge WAPCO is also doing something positive to increase cement out by adding another plant to its existing plants at Ewekoro and Sagamu both in Ogun State.
Indeed, while projections and expansions currently being undertaken by various cement firms supposedly should lead to a crash in cement prices, its price has hit the roof top.
Investigation has revealed that the rise in the cost of cement is slowing down the pace of work in the building industry with building contractors, private builders including real estate developers lamenting the increase.
Accommodations seekers, findings reveal are finding it difficult to cope with high price tags on the available houses. House and property owners are complaining high cost of maintaining their buildings.
Olaharin Akinwunmi , a building contractor told Peoples Daily the high cost of cement has affected profitability in the sector.
“The cost of executing building project skyrocket daily, the unstable prices of cement in the market worsen our plight, I’m building on a site now which we have to stop to study situation.” he lamented .
Also collaborating Akinwunmi’s plight, Tunji Olamafe a private estate developer in Ogun state vowed to make his profits from his customers who are in need of his building.
“Life has not been easy with us, in fact me particularly. Since January cement price has made life difficult for me in the business. The price is not stable, you wake up and discover what you bought last night has jumped twice of its previous price. It’s that bad. I call my supplier every hour to ascertain the cost of cement and am always disappointed to hear increase”, he said adding that, the cost to build 10 houses, now seems not be able to develop more than five at the end of the day due to the rising cost of cement and blocks.”
Managing Director of Amorit International Limited Mr. Kayode Oyewole, a developer said the increase in the price of cement has impacted projects negatively.
“By the time you consider the high cost of cement, there is no way one would not add to the cost of the houses.”
He blamed cement producers for the high price, pointing out that some of them are not circulating the product the way they should. He also enjoined manufacturers to make the product available continuously to solve the problem of scarcity.
“There is need for cement manufacturers to always publish their manifest and make it open to members of the public to know the quantity of cement going to one location or the other”, he said.
Still, some cement consumers blamed cement producers for the high price, pointing out that some of them are not circulating the product the way they should.
Experts have also pointed that the incessant building collapse is not divorced from high cost of cement as individuals and developers might want to cut corners by reducing the quantity of cement required for their construction.
But, CMAN chairman attributed the increase in the cost of the commodity to the high cost of haulage.
Makoju noted that the high cost of procuring diesel for the heavy duty vehicles that transport cement from the factory to the various depots spread across the country was a major factor in the costing of the commodity.
http://www.peoplesdaily-online.com/business/economy/9996-nigerians-groan-under-high-cost-of-cement
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Nigerians groan under high cost of cement
Promise by cement manufacturers that 2011 will witnessed price reduction in the product has turned out a paradox as the cement prices assumed a flight in recent months, thus giving stakeholders in construction and building business cause to worry Ayodele Samuel examines the scenario in this analysis.
Relieve in a form of drastic reduction in the price of cement enjoyed by consumers in the recent past could be short-lived after all, as prices have assumed upswing direction of late.
From hitherto N2, 000 plus, price of cement crashed to N1, 400 and every stakeholder applauded the positive development as a boost to housing delivery and construction sector.
As if the price reduction had not gotten to the desired level, cement stakeholders last year promised further price cut down by 20% in 2011. This was the position of Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria CMAN as announced by its Chairman, Joseph Makoju.
Indigenous manufacturers raised hope of crash in cement prices in the country with a projection that output will soon hit about 30 million metric tons per annum.
Nigeria is said to require about 15.5 million metric tons to meet its current national demand of per annum, local manufacturers supply hover at about 11.5 million metric tons, while importation close up the number.
However, projections of output rise are hinged on the success of the various expansion projects being undertaken by the manufacturers as some of the projects are scheduled to boast market output by 2011 and early 2012.
Suffice at this point to take a cursory look at Nigeria cement firms. It consists of four major producers, namely Lafarge WAPCO, Dangote Cement industries, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria and Ashaka Cement.
Both Lafarge and Ashaka Cement have a combine 40 per cent share of the market while Dangote Group a majority stakeholder in Obajana and Benue Cement has an estimated 55 percent share of the Nigerian cement market.
Engineer Makoju, Special Assistant to the president of Dangote Cement, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said that the group‘s Obajana Cement Plant is currently being expanded to add five million metric tonnes per annum to its initial five million metric tonnes production capacity.
The group is also speeding up the construction of its Greenfield cement plant at Ibese, Ogun State, which will yield another five million metric tonnes. Another of its subsidiary, Benue Cement Company Plc, is currently producing about five million metric tonnes per annum.
Dangote Cement, a member of the Dangote Group came into the cement manufacturing with a bang, building the biggest cement plant in West Africa at Obajana, Kogi State, which currently has two production lines producing 5 million metric tons of cement per annum. The third production line is nearing completion to add another 5.5 million metric tons on completion.
Already, its Gboko plant, currently producing 3 million metric tons is also undergoing upgrading to add another 1 million metric tons to bring it to 4 million metric tons per annum.
Besides, Dangote group is prosecuting a $680 million third plant at its Ibeshe Cement plant in Ogun State which when completed kicks off production by June. The plant is adding 6 million metric tons per annum.
With this, Dangote cement alone would be churning out 20 million metric tons per annum from its three plants whose distribution cycle covers the whole country.
Firm such as Larfarge WAPCO is also doing something positive to increase cement out by adding another plant to its existing plants at Ewekoro and Sagamu both in Ogun State.
Indeed, while projections and expansions currently being undertaken by various cement firms supposedly should lead to a crash in cement prices, its price has hit the roof top.
Investigation has revealed that the rise in the cost of cement is slowing down the pace of work in the building industry with building contractors, private builders including real estate developers lamenting the increase.
Accommodations seekers, findings reveal are finding it difficult to cope with high price tags on the available houses. House and property owners are complaining high cost of maintaining their buildings.
Olaharin Akinwunmi , a building contractor told Peoples Daily the high cost of cement has affected profitability in the sector.
“The cost of executing building project skyrocket daily, the unstable prices of cement in the market worsen our plight, I’m building on a site now which we have to stop to study situation.” he lamented .
Also collaborating Akinwunmi’s plight, Tunji Olamafe a private estate developer in Ogun state vowed to make his profits from his customers who are in need of his building.
“Life has not been easy with us, in fact me particularly. Since January cement price has made life difficult for me in the business. The price is not stable, you wake up and discover what you bought last night has jumped twice of its previous price. It’s that bad. I call my supplier every hour to ascertain the cost of cement and am always disappointed to hear increase”, he said adding that, the cost to build 10 houses, now seems not be able to develop more than five at the end of the day due to the rising cost of cement and blocks.”
Managing Director of Amorit International Limited Mr. Kayode Oyewole, a developer said the increase in the price of cement has impacted projects negatively.
“By the time you consider the high cost of cement, there is no way one would not add to the cost of the houses.”
He blamed cement producers for the high price, pointing out that some of them are not circulating the product the way they should. He also enjoined manufacturers to make the product available continuously to solve the problem of scarcity.
“There is need for cement manufacturers to always publish their manifest and make it open to members of the public to know the quantity of cement going to one location or the other”, he said.
Still, some cement consumers blamed cement producers for the high price, pointing out that some of them are not circulating the product the way they should.
Experts have also pointed that the incessant building collapse is not divorced from high cost of cement as individuals and developers might want to cut corners by reducing the quantity of cement required for their construction.
But, CMAN chairman attributed the increase in the cost of the commodity to the high cost of haulage.
Makoju noted that the high cost of procuring diesel for the heavy duty vehicles that transport cement from the factory to the various depots spread across the country was a major factor in the costing of the commodity.
http://www.peoplesdaily-online.com/business/economy/9996-nigerians-groan-under-high-cost-of-cement
From hitherto N2, 000 plus, price of cement crashed to N1, 400 and every stakeholder applauded the positive development as a boost to housing delivery and construction sector.
As if the price reduction had not gotten to the desired level, cement stakeholders last year promised further price cut down by 20% in 2011. This was the position of Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria CMAN as announced by its Chairman, Joseph Makoju.
Indigenous manufacturers raised hope of crash in cement prices in the country with a projection that output will soon hit about 30 million metric tons per annum.
Nigeria is said to require about 15.5 million metric tons to meet its current national demand of per annum, local manufacturers supply hover at about 11.5 million metric tons, while importation close up the number.
However, projections of output rise are hinged on the success of the various expansion projects being undertaken by the manufacturers as some of the projects are scheduled to boast market output by 2011 and early 2012.
Suffice at this point to take a cursory look at Nigeria cement firms. It consists of four major producers, namely Lafarge WAPCO, Dangote Cement industries, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria and Ashaka Cement.
Both Lafarge and Ashaka Cement have a combine 40 per cent share of the market while Dangote Group a majority stakeholder in Obajana and Benue Cement has an estimated 55 percent share of the Nigerian cement market.
Engineer Makoju, Special Assistant to the president of Dangote Cement, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said that the group‘s Obajana Cement Plant is currently being expanded to add five million metric tonnes per annum to its initial five million metric tonnes production capacity.
The group is also speeding up the construction of its Greenfield cement plant at Ibese, Ogun State, which will yield another five million metric tonnes. Another of its subsidiary, Benue Cement Company Plc, is currently producing about five million metric tonnes per annum.
Dangote Cement, a member of the Dangote Group came into the cement manufacturing with a bang, building the biggest cement plant in West Africa at Obajana, Kogi State, which currently has two production lines producing 5 million metric tons of cement per annum. The third production line is nearing completion to add another 5.5 million metric tons on completion.
Already, its Gboko plant, currently producing 3 million metric tons is also undergoing upgrading to add another 1 million metric tons to bring it to 4 million metric tons per annum.
Besides, Dangote group is prosecuting a $680 million third plant at its Ibeshe Cement plant in Ogun State which when completed kicks off production by June. The plant is adding 6 million metric tons per annum.
With this, Dangote cement alone would be churning out 20 million metric tons per annum from its three plants whose distribution cycle covers the whole country.
Firm such as Larfarge WAPCO is also doing something positive to increase cement out by adding another plant to its existing plants at Ewekoro and Sagamu both in Ogun State.
Indeed, while projections and expansions currently being undertaken by various cement firms supposedly should lead to a crash in cement prices, its price has hit the roof top.
Investigation has revealed that the rise in the cost of cement is slowing down the pace of work in the building industry with building contractors, private builders including real estate developers lamenting the increase.
Accommodations seekers, findings reveal are finding it difficult to cope with high price tags on the available houses. House and property owners are complaining high cost of maintaining their buildings.
Olaharin Akinwunmi , a building contractor told Peoples Daily the high cost of cement has affected profitability in the sector.
“The cost of executing building project skyrocket daily, the unstable prices of cement in the market worsen our plight, I’m building on a site now which we have to stop to study situation.” he lamented .
Also collaborating Akinwunmi’s plight, Tunji Olamafe a private estate developer in Ogun state vowed to make his profits from his customers who are in need of his building.
“Life has not been easy with us, in fact me particularly. Since January cement price has made life difficult for me in the business. The price is not stable, you wake up and discover what you bought last night has jumped twice of its previous price. It’s that bad. I call my supplier every hour to ascertain the cost of cement and am always disappointed to hear increase”, he said adding that, the cost to build 10 houses, now seems not be able to develop more than five at the end of the day due to the rising cost of cement and blocks.”
Managing Director of Amorit International Limited Mr. Kayode Oyewole, a developer said the increase in the price of cement has impacted projects negatively.
“By the time you consider the high cost of cement, there is no way one would not add to the cost of the houses.”
He blamed cement producers for the high price, pointing out that some of them are not circulating the product the way they should. He also enjoined manufacturers to make the product available continuously to solve the problem of scarcity.
“There is need for cement manufacturers to always publish their manifest and make it open to members of the public to know the quantity of cement going to one location or the other”, he said.
Still, some cement consumers blamed cement producers for the high price, pointing out that some of them are not circulating the product the way they should.
Experts have also pointed that the incessant building collapse is not divorced from high cost of cement as individuals and developers might want to cut corners by reducing the quantity of cement required for their construction.
But, CMAN chairman attributed the increase in the cost of the commodity to the high cost of haulage.
Makoju noted that the high cost of procuring diesel for the heavy duty vehicles that transport cement from the factory to the various depots spread across the country was a major factor in the costing of the commodity.
http://www.peoplesdaily-online.com/business/economy/9996-nigerians-groan-under-high-cost-of-cement
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Bode George: Obasanjo is a Lair – Opadokun
Bode George: Obasanjo is a Lair – Opadokun
Ayodele Samuel,Lagos
Chief Ayo Opadokun, the National Coordinator of Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) say former president Olusesgun Obasanjo has been accused of flagrant lies to the public concerning his responses to issues on recent developments in the country.
Opadokun in a statement stated that Obasanjo’s diatribe on Bode George and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the governor of Ogun State lacks moral ground, saying that a response to his hypocritical comments is expedient especially ‘‘‘when the destiny of a Nation is being rubbished by a tragic hero personality in his undue quest to appropriate to himself unmerited infallibility’’.
The CODER National Coordinator who described Obasanjo a self – exaggerated individual, stated that the former presidents moral history is replete with hypocrisy, deceit and friendship betrayal, adding that ‘’General Obasanjo has a warped reason about immorality and his born-again status when his public and private life are the opposite of decency is in the public domain’’.
‘The most repugnant behaviour of the enigma called OBJ is his regular habit of lying and falsifying events. OBJ’s unbelievably discredited status has reached a state where whenever he says good morning to you, it is in your best interest to open your window blind to confirm. OBJ’S recent statements on Bode George and Governor Daniel are typical hypocritical lifestyle of the Owu Chieftain’’ Opadokun posited.
He stated that the former president knew that he was lying when he claimed that he was lured into the reception held for Bode George in Lagos, the event which he described as
‘celebration of criminality’.
Opadokun explained further: ‘’the fact that the Owu Chief attended the ceremony before he became an opponent of the social party clearly illustrates the OBJ double face lifestyle. A decent man should have acknowledged the strident campaign of some of us who had spoken immediately against the Owambe party because we were mindful of the possible negative effects it will have on the young people generally and the Yoruba offspring in particular.
On Obasanjo’s comment on the governance failure of Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration in Ogun State in the last eight years, Opadokun pointed out that the former president was being mischievous; as ‘’it came after his PDP faction’s primaries in Ogun State have been accepted by a Federal High Court as the authentic one’’. He further described the Obasanjo’s statement on Ogun as being hypocritical ‘’because he and Daniel were in power between 2003 and 2007 as comrades in arms and he never publicly or otherwise rebuked Daniel for non-performance’’.
‘’For eight years, Gen. Obasanjo had the best opportunity in the world to transform Nigeria. Funding and human resources were available in all ramifications. Furthermore, throughout his eight years in office, crude oil sold at very unprecedented high prices. Yet Obasanjo cannot point at any project that was successfully executed and commissioned’’ he added.
ATD endorses Goodluck Jonathan ahead of 2011 poll
ATD endorses Goodluck Jonathan ahead of 2011 poll
Ayodele Samuel,Lagos
With few weeks ahead of the presidential election the Agenda for Transparent Democracy (ATD) has endorses the candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan as the best option for Nigeria at this crucial moment in history.
The group in a statement sign by its National Coordinator Babalola Medayedupin said “Following close monitoring of the electoral process so far, ATD unequivocally submits that the merits in President Jonathan’s candidature far outweigh, by all standards, whatever arguments that may be proffered to the contrary.”
ATD added that the 2011 Presidential election is unique and critical to democratic consolidation. “this is not just another periodic election but an opportunity for Nigerian to demonstrate love for our dear country by speaking out clearly, with our votes, in support of one, united, indivisible Nigeria. 2011 Presidential election is a golden opportunity to reassert our collective desire to move the country ahead over and above primordial differences, political revisionism and divisive ambitions.”
Medayedupin said ATD as a group firmly believes that the choice of leadership is vital to the growth of democracy in any society.
“ATD wishes to draw the attention of Nigerians to our peculiar democratic journey since the restoration of civil rule in 1999. It is important to again reassert that the track record of President Jonathan speaks volume of the experiences he has garnered in the last twelve years of our democratic experiment. For a man who has been Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President and President, there is no doubt that President Jonathan clearly towers over and above his opponents in the April 2011 Presidential election.”
The group said that President Jonathan has learnt “the rope; weather the storm of power; and mastered the art of governance with so much trepidation and assiduity.” It would therefore be in the interest of Nigeria and indeed a great honour to our collective history as a people to vote massively for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and return him as President on 29th May, 2011.
The group said that President Jonathan has demonstrated through his team of campaigners, that he understands the chemistry of nation-building through effective mobilisation of citizens across ethnic, social, economic and political barriers to propagate a national agenda. “This key attribute of patriotic zeal manifests largely from the array of entertainment professionals, students/youth, leaders of thoughts, civil society actors, businessmen, labour, women, artisans and several others who have been rallied to propagate Goodluck Jonathan’s message of restoration and national rebirth.”
Monday, October 11, 2010
Italy based Nigerian Join Presidency Race
Italy based Nigerian Join Presidency Race
Italy based Nigerian business mogul Francis Onabis has declared his intension to contest for Nigeria presidency in the 2011 election.
Onabis who is currently the President, CEO of Mattia holdings limited, a financial and marketing consulting company in Cyprus and Stillwater Limited in Italy.
Onabis said thou he have no political experience but his love for the country and desire for change motivated him.
He said he had acquired good governance knowledge and experience by staying outside and he is ready to inject it to Nigeria governance to make the nation great.
He lamented the complete break down of Nigeria infrastructures, economy, and security to both people of Nigeria and property, which he attributed to failure of the ruling party, which have been in power since 1999.
Also condemning the government of the ruling, PDP saying “they run the government of Nigeria as their own personal property, Government should not be run like that, Nigeria belong to all us and any person who is elected to a public office must understand he or she is there to serve the people, PDP have ruled Nigeria for the past 12years Nigeria is not better off thanks to their way of ruling.”
He said over the years multinational companies have moved out of Nigeria, “no regular power supply, the PDP just don’t get the priorities right in Nigeria, the last 12 years they have made their member's rich and the Nigerian masses poorer, provision infrastructures has become a thing of who you know, infrastructures are for the people of Nigeria whichever party they may belong, they have made their party member richer and the masses poorer.”
While he condemned the independent bomb blast in Abuja , he said “am not one of the people who believe you can solve problem with force, they say vote is more important than gun. I am convinced nothing cannot be solved with proper reasoning, There is no need killing innocent people to make a point”
“If you are not happy with a government you vote them out, If you are not happy with a government you vote them out, killing innocent people will never bring the change we all seek in Nigeria ”
While he said he is stargazing on political party to run, he said “am going to take a careful look at the existing party see if their agenda fits mine and then decide Parties, I need to meet with the leader's of the various parties and find out which of them is suited to our course, I can only work with a party which principle's is to salvage Nigeria”
Friday, October 1, 2010
A Nation at 50
A Nation at 50
Ayodele Samuel
Senior correspondent
At this historical moment and time, Nigeria makes a replication of the time when Israel was in the wilderness. Though the journey was tough then, Israel knew with certainty that she was heading for the Promised Land - Canaan , Sadly, Nigeria does not yet know where her own destination lies even at 50.
After 50 years of political independence, Nigeria still gropes in the dark; walking without a definite direction, it is pathetic as the world daily watches the acclaimed giant of Africa helplessly moving about with the whirlwind of unfortunate circumstances.
The Nigeria experience 50 years ago indeed has been a story of lamentation on all sides.
Visions and targets set for development by our founding fathers 50 years ago have all woefully failed. And yet there is no end in sight to further failure.
As the nations begins another journey the nation certainly needs a way forward, a break through from a nation where poverty reigns supreme in the midst of plenty: a country that is known for production of; and renown for export of crude oil but import refined and finished petroleum products to the detriment of its economic and political progress; a country where N17bn is set aside to celebrate her 50th independent anniversary at the expense of the masses that are denied basic necessities of life.
A country where 70 percent of it citizen live below 150 naira per day but awarded more than 70 percent of its annual budget to salaries and allowances of political office holders .
It is no more news that basic infrastructures in the country are in deplorable conditions. No good roads, no basic educational structures, our hospitals have become transit point to mortuary due to inadequate health care facilities. Unemployment is increasing as the economy gets worse. Industries have closed down due to unabated high cost of production as a result of unreliable power supply
As we celebrate years of independence, think of when we shall get out of this shameful situation wickedly imposed on us by selfish leaders over the years, what is the way forward?
We should use this moment to reflect soberly on achieving the true Nigeria dream, both the leaders and lead must reflect soberly on the state of the nation,; we can’t continue to be led by visionless leaders, who neither have the mental capacity nor patriotic desire to move the country forward.
At this moment Nigerians must wake up from their slumber to reality. 2011 is a year Nigerians must decide on true leadership. It is a year Nigerians must vote and ensure that their votes are not counted for the wrong candidates. It is a year to tell the wicked, self imposed leaders to go into political oblivion; it is a year to rescue our country from the visionless and corrupt leaders while they bow out shamefully.
for a Nation like Nigeria to be great again it will start from somewhere mostly important which is credible, transparence and elective election, when their is a free, fair election, we must all we lay our hands on the plough afresh towards building a nation we can all be proud of in OUR GENERATION!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
CHEERING NEWS FROM THE MANUTACTURING SECTOR
CHEERING NEWS FROM THE MANUTACTURING SECTOR
When President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office some months ago, he inherited
a deplorable industrial sector especially, the deteriorating state of infrastructural facilities which had crippled economic activities in the sector. LEADERSHIP Industry Correspondent AYODELE SAMUEL writes on efforts of government to reposition and to repair the damage caused by many years of neglect with consequent toll on the economy.
No doubt the first two decades following Nigeria ’s independence in 1960 remains the glorious period in the nation’s history. During this period, several sectors of
the economy experienced unequalled vibrancy. The period contributed
significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP). The manufacturing
sector played a significant role in stabilizing the engine of the nation’s
economic development in terms of employment, export and agriculture which serves
as source of foreign exchange earnings. Between1970 to1980 according to
statistics, the manufacturing sector alone contributed between 11 - 9.9 percent
to the nation’s GDP respectively.
Recent figure released by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has
shown that the manufacturing sector contributes only four percent of the
nation’s GDP while Industrial Capacity Utilization has dropped to about 28
percent.
Currently, many local industries have continued to operate under very
severe economic and environmental conditions such as poor energy, poor
infrastructure facilities including bad road network, lack of access to funds and
high interest rates on bank loans while those that cannot endure the economic
hardship close shops. Professor Eric Chiedum Eboh, a Policy Economist and a business researcher said for Nigeria to achieve its economic targets and development objectives it requires the right business environment to nurture a competitive and dynamic private sector.
These indices have been a headache to manufactures and government itself. This
was what led to the convergence of the meeting between government and
stakeholders to find lasting solution to the problems facing the nation’s
industrial sector. It is on record that government through the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry has been tackling these problems on many fronts by
bringing both private and public sectors together to discuss the way forward in
the commerce and industry sector.
In May this year, the Ministry had met with NACCIMA, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN, and other stakeholders in the sector to fashion out possible solution to the problems facing the sector. Also, the problems of the nation’s industrial sector was on the front burner at the meeting of the National Council of Commerce and Industry, the highest policy decision making body in the sector which held in Kano from May 17-21, 2010. This led to the formation of a committee to develop a 10 year National Strategic
Industrial Development Master Plan (NSIDMP) to provide the roadmap for industrial development in Nigeria . This committee is headed by the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Ms. Josephine Tapgun while the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Emem Wills Wilcox is the alternate Chairman.
During this interaction with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)
Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye pointed out that the purpose of the meeting with the
Organized Private Sector was to harvest their views on the challenges facing the
sector as well as to find possible ways to alleviate the problems. According to
him “I know where the shoe pinches and I know that the mandate of this ministry
is to remove all obstacles, stumbling blocks and barriers in the pursuit of
Commerce and Industry and our tasks here is to support you.”
He pointed out that most of the challenges that were facing the sector did not
reside with his ministry; therefore the ministry has to interface with other
ministries and agencies of government such as the Ministries of Finance,
Petroleum, Power and the Nigeria customs Services and CBN to tackle the
problems.
These interface with other ministries and agencies have started yielding
results. The N500 billion revival funds for the industrial sector which led to
the disbursement of N150 billion to the real sector was initiated by the
ministry in 2009 and the present Minister followed it up for it to
come on stream.
On the assurance the Ministry gave to manufacturers on special prices for Low
Pure Fuel Oil (LPFO) which was one of the concerns raised at the meeting with
the Minister, the Ministry of Petroleum has facilitated unfettered access to
LPFO by manufacturers.
Action has been stepped up on the 100 billion bailout funds for the textile
industry, through the Bank of Industry (BOI), to enable more moribund textile
companies to access the loans on one digit rate interest through the arrangement
work out by BOI.
With efforts to tackle the illegal check-points that dot the Seme border route and various
ports which have been the entry points for illegal imports into the country, a 21 – man Task Force on Trade Facilitation in Nigeria headed by the ministry’s Ag. Director Trade Mr. David Adejuwon has been set up, comprising members from Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Transport and Finance, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Quarantine Service (NOS) Nigeria Police, CBN and National Association of Clearing and Forwarding among others. The Taskforce was on an assessment tour of infrastructure needs at the border posts recently to harmonize various activities of the agencies at the posts. This is to ensure compliance with multilateral and regional decisions on trade facilitation. In the course of their assignment, it was discovered that out of the over 30 government agencies currently operating at the borders and ports, only few are legal.
The National Sugar Development Council in collaboration with the Ministry has
flagged off the delivery of input loans and credits to members of 40 out-growers
Association in conjunction with Bank PHB, the Central Bank of Nigeria and
National Agricultural Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NAIC). Also the Ministry
has provided new guidelines for companies granted approval to import unfortified
raw Sugar for Industrial use on packaging and labeling of their products as well
as to ensure at least 70% local contents in National Sugar consumption by 2015.
The council recently developed up a National Sugar Master Plan that will foster
new investment and help existing investment in the sector to consolidate.
Also, the Ministry through the Bank of Industry (BOI) has approved N58 Billion
for 675 small enterprises to guarantee the utilization of raw materials,
especially agricultural produce, generate employment, increase export potentials,
promote MSMs by women as well as deepen bank’s credit delivery process through
lending to cooperative groups under collective guaranteed arrangement.
In a bid to sustain continuity of policy and programme of the Ministry the
Minister has given his support for the Campaign for Patronage of Made in Nigeria
Products.
The Ministry is also collaborating with Common Fund for Commodity (CFC) on the
provision of prototype cassava processing plant. Another Cassava Processing
Factory was commissioned by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Mohammad at
Angwa Nungu Village of Lafia, Nasarawa State in July 2010 adding to the two
prototypes already commissioned in Masaka and Kuje both in Federal Capital
Territory and Nasarawa State respectively.
Also, CFC granted Nigeria Palm oil project an estimated $4,611,040
meant to improve the income generating potential of oil palm in West and Central
African region ( Nigeria and Cameroon ). The project was meant to benefit
small-scale palm oil processors operating inefficiently, with limited market
access or ability to effectively participate in palm oil domestic and national
supply chains. The project will improve on existing technologies and provide
skills training (technical) for operators and business skills for management
staff.
The Ministry has shown the zeal to promote development of industrialization by
sustenance of Government Backward Integration policy on cement through
cancellation of all un-utilized cement import licenses issued from 2002 - 2008.
This measure was reached in collaboration with stakeholders in the cement
sub-sector after it was confirmed that there was substantial increment in the
capacity of local manufacturers of cement in Nigeria .
This measure is primarily aimed at accelerating the growth of local capacities
as well as providing possibilities for eventual export of cement products to
other African states and beyond.
In view of the above, and to achieve the much desired self-sufficiency in local
manufacturing of cement, create employment and value addition,government has
issued new cement import licenses to investors that have committed resources to
local production of cement. The new import licenses cover the period of 1st
July to 31st December 2010.
It is imperative to note that government granted license to existing and new
entrants into cement in 2008 in a bid to bridge the shortfall and ensure a
decline in the price of the commodity in Nigeria . The new entrants were BUA
Group, Madewell, Reagan Reinassance, Minaj, Lababidi and NICA. They were
granted license to import 500,000 tonnes of cement each with option of bulk,
jumbo or 50kg bag cement. BUA Group used its allocation on bulk cement while
others like Madewell and Minaj did 50,000 tonnes each, Reagan did 20,000 while
Lababidi and NICA did not utilize their allocation. This non-utilization and under utilization by new entrants added to the problem of shortfall in cement
supply in the country.
Local production of cement in 2009 stood at 8.5 million while the shortfall was
8million tones which government bridged with import. With new investment and
expansion of lines by cement manufacturers, local capacity projection for 2010
is 11 million tones while the remaining balance will be imported by those who
have shown commitment in local production.
Government has tried to encourage genuine local investors in the cement
sub-sector by granting them license to import bulk cement for bagging at their
facilities but no group or individual under the guise of operator should hold government responsible for their failure to grasp the rare opportunities provided to them by government to participate in the sector.
However, public commentators have been analyzing the significance of this government action in boasting local production of cement.
MAN Director-General, Mr. Jide Mike described the move to re-introduce the Cement Backward Integration policy as a positive one that would enhance local capacity production and eventually significantly reduce the price of cement in the country.
By the move, he said the federal government has displayed its commitment to the survival of the real sector of the economy, which has almost been extinguished by faulty policies and the harsh environment of the past years.
Commending the government on the backward integration policy, which became effective in 2002 and has significantly boosted the local manufacturing capacity, he said the era of overtly relying on imported cement is over as local production now exceeds the imported cement.
Chairman of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria CMAN Engineer Joseph Makoju while commending the action the government explained that that by the end of 2011, Lafarge Cement WAPCO will have rolled out its new plant at Lakatabu Ogun State; Dangote Group would have commissioned the Ibeshe plant and doubled capacity at the Obajana factory and Benue Cement Company, all of which will increase the local production of cement above 20million metric tonnes per annum.
Makoju also stressed that the rising output from the various local cement companies had already begun to result in the crash of the price of cement from over N2000 per 50 kg bag to about N1500 per 50kg bag.
He said with the promises made by the federal government to revamp the nation’s power sector, finance the manufacturing sector and boost infrastructure already taking shape, the price of locally produced cement was on its way to around N1000 per bag or even less.
Makoju assured Nigerians of a drastic crash in the price of cement, as the nation moves towards full self sufficiency in the area of cement production next year.
Currently, many local industries have continued to operate under very
severe economic and environmental conditions such as poor energy, poor
infrastructure facilities including bad road network, lack of access to funds and
high interest rates on bank loans while those that cannot endure the economic
hardship close shops. Professor Eric Chiedum Eboh, a Policy Economist and a business researcher said for Nigeria to achieve its economic targets and development objectives it requires the right business environment to nurture a competitive and dynamic private sector.
These indices have been a headache to manufactures and government itself. This
was what led to the convergence of the meeting between government and
stakeholders to find lasting solution to the problems facing the nation’s
industrial sector. It is on record that government through the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry has been tackling these problems on many fronts by
bringing both private and public sectors together to discuss the way forward in
the commerce and industry sector.
In May this year, the Ministry had met with NACCIMA, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN, and other stakeholders in the sector to fashion out possible solution to the problems facing the sector. Also, the problems of the nation’s industrial sector was on the front burner at the meeting of the National Council of Commerce and Industry, the highest policy decision making body in the sector which held in Kano from May 17-21, 2010. This led to the formation of a committee to develop a 10 year National Strategic
Industrial Development Master Plan (NSIDMP) to provide the roadmap for industrial development in Nigeria . This committee is headed by the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Ms. Josephine Tapgun while the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Emem Wills Wilcox is the alternate Chairman.
During this interaction with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)
Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye pointed out that the purpose of the meeting with the
Organized Private Sector was to harvest their views on the challenges facing the
sector as well as to find possible ways to alleviate the problems. According to
him “I know where the shoe pinches and I know that the mandate of this ministry
is to remove all obstacles, stumbling blocks and barriers in the pursuit of
Commerce and Industry and our tasks here is to support you.”
He pointed out that most of the challenges that were facing the sector did not
reside with his ministry; therefore the ministry has to interface with other
ministries and agencies of government such as the Ministries of Finance,
Petroleum, Power and the Nigeria customs Services and CBN to tackle the
problems.
These interface with other ministries and agencies have started yielding
results. The N500 billion revival funds for the industrial sector which led to
the disbursement of N150 billion to the real sector was initiated by the
ministry in 2009 and the present Minister followed it up for it to
come on stream.
On the assurance the Ministry gave to manufacturers on special prices for Low
Pure Fuel Oil (LPFO) which was one of the concerns raised at the meeting with
the Minister, the Ministry of Petroleum has facilitated unfettered access to
LPFO by manufacturers.
Action has been stepped up on the 100 billion bailout funds for the textile
industry, through the Bank of Industry (BOI), to enable more moribund textile
companies to access the loans on one digit rate interest through the arrangement
work out by BOI.
With efforts to tackle the illegal check-points that dot the Seme border route and various
ports which have been the entry points for illegal imports into the country, a 21 – man Task Force on Trade Facilitation in Nigeria headed by the ministry’s Ag. Director Trade Mr. David Adejuwon has been set up, comprising members from Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Transport and Finance, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Quarantine Service (NOS) Nigeria Police, CBN and National Association of Clearing and Forwarding among others. The Taskforce was on an assessment tour of infrastructure needs at the border posts recently to harmonize various activities of the agencies at the posts. This is to ensure compliance with multilateral and regional decisions on trade facilitation. In the course of their assignment, it was discovered that out of the over 30 government agencies currently operating at the borders and ports, only few are legal.
The National Sugar Development Council in collaboration with the Ministry has
flagged off the delivery of input loans and credits to members of 40 out-growers
Association in conjunction with Bank PHB, the Central Bank of Nigeria and
National Agricultural Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NAIC). Also the Ministry
has provided new guidelines for companies granted approval to import unfortified
raw Sugar for Industrial use on packaging and labeling of their products as well
as to ensure at least 70% local contents in National Sugar consumption by 2015.
The council recently developed up a National Sugar Master Plan that will foster
new investment and help existing investment in the sector to consolidate.
Also, the Ministry through the Bank of Industry (BOI) has approved N58 Billion
for 675 small enterprises to guarantee the utilization of raw materials,
especially agricultural produce, generate employment, increase export potentials,
promote MSMs by women as well as deepen bank’s credit delivery process through
lending to cooperative groups under collective guaranteed arrangement.
In a bid to sustain continuity of policy and programme of the Ministry the
Minister has given his support for the Campaign for Patronage of Made in Nigeria
Products.
The Ministry is also collaborating with Common Fund for Commodity (CFC) on the
provision of prototype cassava processing plant. Another Cassava Processing
Factory was commissioned by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Mohammad at
Angwa Nungu Village of Lafia, Nasarawa State in July 2010 adding to the two
prototypes already commissioned in Masaka and Kuje both in Federal Capital
Territory and Nasarawa State respectively.
Also, CFC granted Nigeria Palm oil project an estimated $4,611,040
meant to improve the income generating potential of oil palm in West and Central
African region ( Nigeria and Cameroon ). The project was meant to benefit
small-scale palm oil processors operating inefficiently, with limited market
access or ability to effectively participate in palm oil domestic and national
supply chains. The project will improve on existing technologies and provide
skills training (technical) for operators and business skills for management
staff.
The Ministry has shown the zeal to promote development of industrialization by
sustenance of Government Backward Integration policy on cement through
cancellation of all un-utilized cement import licenses issued from 2002 - 2008.
This measure was reached in collaboration with stakeholders in the cement
sub-sector after it was confirmed that there was substantial increment in the
capacity of local manufacturers of cement in Nigeria .
This measure is primarily aimed at accelerating the growth of local capacities
as well as providing possibilities for eventual export of cement products to
other African states and beyond.
In view of the above, and to achieve the much desired self-sufficiency in local
manufacturing of cement, create employment and value addition,government has
issued new cement import licenses to investors that have committed resources to
local production of cement. The new import licenses cover the period of 1st
July to 31st December 2010.
It is imperative to note that government granted license to existing and new
entrants into cement in 2008 in a bid to bridge the shortfall and ensure a
decline in the price of the commodity in Nigeria . The new entrants were BUA
Group, Madewell, Reagan Reinassance, Minaj, Lababidi and NICA. They were
granted license to import 500,000 tonnes of cement each with option of bulk,
jumbo or 50kg bag cement. BUA Group used its allocation on bulk cement while
others like Madewell and Minaj did 50,000 tonnes each, Reagan did 20,000 while
Lababidi and NICA did not utilize their allocation. This non-utilization and under utilization by new entrants added to the problem of shortfall in cement
supply in the country.
Local production of cement in 2009 stood at 8.5 million while the shortfall was
8million tones which government bridged with import. With new investment and
expansion of lines by cement manufacturers, local capacity projection for 2010
is 11 million tones while the remaining balance will be imported by those who
have shown commitment in local production.
Government has tried to encourage genuine local investors in the cement
sub-sector by granting them license to import bulk cement for bagging at their
facilities but no group or individual under the guise of operator should hold government responsible for their failure to grasp the rare opportunities provided to them by government to participate in the sector.
However, public commentators have been analyzing the significance of this government action in boasting local production of cement.
MAN Director-General, Mr. Jide Mike described the move to re-introduce the Cement Backward Integration policy as a positive one that would enhance local capacity production and eventually significantly reduce the price of cement in the country.
By the move, he said the federal government has displayed its commitment to the survival of the real sector of the economy, which has almost been extinguished by faulty policies and the harsh environment of the past years.
Commending the government on the backward integration policy, which became effective in 2002 and has significantly boosted the local manufacturing capacity, he said the era of overtly relying on imported cement is over as local production now exceeds the imported cement.
Chairman of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria CMAN Engineer Joseph Makoju while commending the action the government explained that that by the end of 2011, Lafarge Cement WAPCO will have rolled out its new plant at Lakatabu Ogun State; Dangote Group would have commissioned the Ibeshe plant and doubled capacity at the Obajana factory and Benue Cement Company, all of which will increase the local production of cement above 20million metric tonnes per annum.
Makoju also stressed that the rising output from the various local cement companies had already begun to result in the crash of the price of cement from over N2000 per 50 kg bag to about N1500 per 50kg bag.
He said with the promises made by the federal government to revamp the nation’s power sector, finance the manufacturing sector and boost infrastructure already taking shape, the price of locally produced cement was on its way to around N1000 per bag or even less.
Makoju assured Nigerians of a drastic crash in the price of cement, as the nation moves towards full self sufficiency in the area of cement production next year.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
2011 and Nigeria youth
2011 and Nigeria youth
Ayodele Samuel
The failure of different government to conduct free, fair, peaceful and credible election has made it difficult for Nigerians to rely on President Jonathan’s words to deliver credible polls comes 2011 election, the need for Nigerians, especially youths to register, select right candidates, vote and protect their votes just remains the best option to protect our future.
If the youths teams up rightly, I would be right to say Nigeria youths would determine the next set of leaders we would have, but the fear remain making a right choice.
The youths consist of a large number of voters in every elections, now the youth would also play a major role in the conduct of the poll if, Jega’s decision to use youth corps members remains.
If during 1993 election, I was under age, I knew not the role of the youth in making that election free and fair, but 2003 and 2007 the youth was badly used in the process, many of our friends ended up as a 2000 per day political thugs, few stanched ballot boxes but we all suffer the consequence of bad governance and misrepresentation those administration gave back as dividend, now its 2011 we are saddled to make the right choice.
The 2003 and 2007 produced administration was a disaster to the youth, the rate of unemployment over increased , ASUU strike closed down our universities for months, we couldn’t compete internationally because we were half baked, the government seems never to yields any of our plights . It is time for youths to stop sacrificing their future for mere food. Avoid being used as political thugs by dubious politicians who have their children schooling in western parts of the world
The politicians due to unemployment they have created has turned many Nigerian youths to immeasurable weapons for election looting, political campaign violence, election rigging and other electoral frauds that turn Nigerian politics to do or die affair.
It is time for us to stand for what is right even if we’re standing alone. We are no longer leaders of the tomorrow we knew not, the tomorrow our politicians have destroy but today’s leaders and tomorrow shapers of a future and a great country
The role of youths in nation building and credible elections include active participations in a lawful manner in decision making especially when it comes to determining who rules the nation realizing the fact that, youths are the future of every country.
The future of the youths can only be secured when true and patriotic Nigerians are installed into government with the help of the teaming youth through free and fair election not selection as we have it in the Nigerian politics. We youth must rise to defend democracy in this election, the will of the people must not be not subverted by these criminal politicians who have spent their valuable life span looting this nation, we will bear the consequence of their deeds if we don’t stop them now.
If the youths teams up rightly, I would be right to say Nigeria youths would determine the next set of leaders we would have, but the fear remain making a right choice.
The youths consist of a large number of voters in every elections, now the youth would also play a major role in the conduct of the poll if, Jega’s decision to use youth corps members remains.
If during 1993 election, I was under age, I knew not the role of the youth in making that election free and fair, but 2003 and 2007 the youth was badly used in the process, many of our friends ended up as a 2000 per day political thugs, few stanched ballot boxes but we all suffer the consequence of bad governance and misrepresentation those administration gave back as dividend, now its 2011 we are saddled to make the right choice.
The 2003 and 2007 produced administration was a disaster to the youth, the rate of unemployment over increased , ASUU strike closed down our universities for months, we couldn’t compete internationally because we were half baked, the government seems never to yields any of our plights . It is time for youths to stop sacrificing their future for mere food. Avoid being used as political thugs by dubious politicians who have their children schooling in western parts of the world
The politicians due to unemployment they have created has turned many Nigerian youths to immeasurable weapons for election looting, political campaign violence, election rigging and other electoral frauds that turn Nigerian politics to do or die affair.
It is time for us to stand for what is right even if we’re standing alone. We are no longer leaders of the tomorrow we knew not, the tomorrow our politicians have destroy but today’s leaders and tomorrow shapers of a future and a great country
The role of youths in nation building and credible elections include active participations in a lawful manner in decision making especially when it comes to determining who rules the nation realizing the fact that, youths are the future of every country.
The future of the youths can only be secured when true and patriotic Nigerians are installed into government with the help of the teaming youth through free and fair election not selection as we have it in the Nigerian politics. We youth must rise to defend democracy in this election, the will of the people must not be not subverted by these criminal politicians who have spent their valuable life span looting this nation, we will bear the consequence of their deeds if we don’t stop them now.
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