Furniture makers add 419 workers in 6 months

Furniture makers employed additional 419 workers between January and June 2014, latest economic review of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has shown.

Some of the newly added workers have been working as carpenters, tree fellers and office assistants, among others. This may not be too significant, given the enormous potential in wood and wood products in the country, say analysts.

A. A Ogunwusi of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) identified key reasons why this sector had not reached its potential.

“Deficiencies in technologies and finance, lack of qualified manpower and their rapid turnover are major problems militating against optimal development of this sector. Thus, technical training is a priority to promote production to international standard and customers requirements,” according to Ogunwusi.

Other experts say there is the need to promote players in this industry through a deliberate financial programme from the government, through the Bank of Industry (BoI).

They say players lack finance and adequate tools, stressing that foreign products are already dominating local goods and gaining more traction among the middle-class and the rich classes.

The Centre for Industrial Studies says world production of furniture is worth about $350 billion. This industry is dominated by China and other Asian countries.

Information from Reuters showed that one of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the boom in global real estate industry. The global furniture market has also been witnessing the production of eco-friendly furniture.

ODINAKA ANUDU