We”ll grow local trade abroad – Nigerian giant pipe producer vows

sky news africa We''ll grow local trade abroad - Nigerian giant pipe producer vows

Nigeria

A Nigerian pipe manufacturer has expresses readiness to build capacity, facilitate already existing process that will aid export of pipes produced by his company to be sold across Africa.

The Pipe producer, owner of NELMACO Groups, Amb. Nelson Mkparu, expressed optimism that exporting NELMACO pipes abroad will grow the country’s export by 45 per cent.

He explained that the country’s trade prospects under the free trade agreement was expected to increase intra-African trade by 50% in 2020, a deal he can grow with quality pipes haven acquired great capacity in production.

Mkparu who spoke to Sky News Africa’s correspondent in North-central Nigeria, Wednesday, said Nigerians by now should heed to the federal government call on patronising locally made goods, adding that well produced Nigerian goods can stand the test of time.

According to him: “Nigerians are known for their high penchant for foreign-made goods in comparison to those produced locally in the country. A total of $411.32 billion worth of goods have been imported into the country, between 2010 and till date.

“In 2019 alone, Nigeria imported $32.67 billion worth of goods from around the globe, down by 7.29% from the total amount of good imported in the previous year. Nigerian imports represent a tiny 0.2% out of total global imports of $16.054 trillion recorded in year 2017. With a huge population of 195.8 million inhabitants, the total imports of $32.67 billion in 2017 translates to about $167 in yearly imported-product demand from every person in Nigeria.

“This trend must change if we are to help government to grow our economy by patronising and consuming what we produce.

“Our quality pipes last longer than what is sourced overseas and customers loyal to us have testified the durability of our products”, he said.

However, making impact in the Nigerian market, he gave the assurance that his company will continue to employ international best practices in the production of pipes, saying that the company’s NGR Quality casin pipes has sold overwhelmingly across the country.

He said in the range of NGR UPVC Pipes the company produces 110mmx5.3mmx6m, 160mmx6.2mmx6m and 200mmx9.62mmx6m pipes.

Mkparu who is a philanthropist, also promised to engage more youths residing in the company’s host community through creating job opportunities that will add meaning to their lives.

Our correspondent reports that NELMACO which is the first to produce pipes in Nigeria has employed over 200 people directly and 500 indirectly.

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