Oiling the Nigerian economy through quality lubricant

As the third largest consumer of lubricating oils in Africa, Nigeria can gain a lot economically from the lubricant industry. Olusola Bello writes that with the resurgence of industrialisation and constant influx of more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, the Nigerian lubricant industry has a large potential for expansion, with limitless opportunities for job creation in the various sub-sectors concerned.

Nigeria’s future of the lubricant industry is upbeat as recent data and research reveal that by 2022, the current consumption per annum, which is currently 350,000 to 400,000 metric tons, will double. It doesn’t seem far-fetched, as there is a constant increase in the automobile population and the expansion of the transport sector.

Aside the increase in vehicle population, the modernisation of the automobile industry and industrial machinery is also generating the need for higher quality lubricants like multi-grade and Synthetic oils with the creation of highly advanced car engines and equipment year in, year out.
Fully prepared for this long-term growth is Oando Marketing, a major player in the Nigerian market, by officially launching their world-class Synthetic lubricant, OleumSyn, at the ninth annual Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL), Africa Downstream exhibition in Lagos, recently.

The fully synthetic lubricant, OleumSyn is targeted at premium motor spirit-based engines; the high performance product is scientifically formulated with cleansing technology designed for the highly advanced modern petrol engines comprising turbo charged engines. Available in 4-litre and 1-litre bottles, it is formulated to meet the highest specifications in terms of the choice in raw materials, product formulations, and packaging and performance level.

Lilian Ikokwu, head of lubricants, Oando Marketing plc, emphasises the company’s commitment to quality. Highlighting Oleum as a renowned brand, she reiterated that sourcing and utilizing top quality raw materials is key in its production process. She explained thus “every litre of OleumSyn is made of top quality base oils and additives; the output is certified by a highly equipped laboratory. What this means is that each time you purchase a bottle of Oando OleumSyn, you are buying top quality grade in line with international and industry standards.”

Ensuring efficient customer satisfaction and reach, Oando Marketing has invested in 12 warehouses nationwide, guaranteeing availability of OleumSyn in all stations and subsidiaries in West Africa.

Dahiru Mohammed, lubricant research and development manager, says that Oando Marketing has invested a lot in product development. “We have done a lot of research and market study to understand and meet consumer requirements in terms of reliability, thereby ensuring the premium quality of our product, quality of caps, security involved, labels and eventually the seal on the bottle with regards to credit integrity,”

Their interests reach far deeper than a booming industry, to reveal their dedication to the development of a well-trained and professional workforce.

The demand for fully synthetic lubricants is on the rise to meet regulatory standards for lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced fuel economy.
OleumSyn helps in minimising engine noise, conditions, protecting engines from the extra stress encountered in traffic situations. It comes in the attractive revamped bottle packaging now common to their lubricant range, and is known as the transformer bottle with new features such as an easier grip, and neck configured for easier flow.

It has been, projected that on a global level, the total market for engine oils will grow from $140 billion in 2013 to $162 billion in 2019. A major part of this growth is expected to be driven by motor oil, engine lubricants and other transportation goods.

As a forward-thinking organisation, Oando Marketing recognises such progress requires commitment and in recent times have invested in world-class facilities for better output.

According to Abayomi Awobokun, the CEO of Oando Downstream, says: “We have invested in new production lines and upgraded our Lagos facility from a 9 million litre capacity to 14 million litre with all equipment optimised to improve efficiency.”

He adds that Oando Marketing is the first Nigerian company to attain SON’s Integrated Management System certification (IMS) combination of ISO 14001 (environmental management system) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational health and safety management), hence a guarantee of quality production, while ensuring safety of employees and preservation of the environment, this is what obtains internationally.

Visitors at the Oando exhibition stand expressed their satisfaction at the world-class qualities and benefits of using Oleum Syn. Tobi Adepoju said,

“just from the packaging, you can tell that a lot of thought and research has gone into the production of this lubricant. The Oleum range is something I will definitely try.”

“I’ve never really been concerned about oil changes, I just leave such decisions to be made by my mechanic, but visiting the stand and hearing first-hand about OleumSyn and the other range of Oleum products, I feel more concerned about what is being used in my car and with all I have heard today, It only seems right to use Oleum.” Bolanle Ajikowo, an investment analyst, explains.

The OleumSyn is one of the products from a wide range of Oando’slubricants that also have their raw materials locally sourced and blended, supervised by top-notch professionals ensuring top-quality standards are maintained in the process of production