Implementation of Procurement Act will create marketing opportunity, jobs in local firms – Cyrus
Nigerian local manufacturers who are presently stifled by a lot of environmental challenges will obviously increase their contribution to economic growth, including employment creation if federal government ensures full implementation of the Procurement Act.
This was the view of Alero Imo, the managing director of Cyrus Kingdom Development Company, fully Nigerian furniture and joinery firm who regretted that government has not been supportive to local manufacturers, citing the procurement Act, which she said has not worked.
The objective of the Public Procurement bill which was passed into law in 2016 by the Senate is to adopt local content which will favour local manufacturers and ensure speedy completion of projects.
The CEO called for continuous advocacy on the Act to ensure government adheres to its full implementation because of the inherent opportunities for local manufacturers and the economy.
Alero who said she strongly believes in Nigerian brand complained that the furniture and wood market is today experiencing unhealthy competition especially with importation from China and Europe. Reiterating similar comments by other operators in that industry, Alero said “It has been difficult contending with importation” in the face of other environmental challenges.
Alero who also said that Cyrus which specialises in the manufacture of furniture and joinery products as an alternative to the wholesome importation also cited electricity as another challenge for her company. “On working days, we have about four hours of electricity per day and the rest of the working hours we use generator to power our machines. This is a big cost on us”, she said.
However, Alero said that the challenges in the industry are though daunting but have not diminished the quality of Cyrus works. “In Cyrus, we build for international standard and our clients know that our products are of quality compared to imported ones”. It is worthy of note that at Cyrus, we manufacture quality doors and all types of furniture and kitchen cabinet. We also engage in home service where we build customised works for homes to suit taste”
She further told journalists in her office in Yaba, Lagos that Cyrus which its journey started in 1996 has grown to a fully integrated manufacturing company with ultra-modern machines comparable to any in the world. “The company has become net employer of labour and has trained numerous artisans in the wood working trade”
Daniel Obi