Roofing sheet makers make case for 0.3mm as competition toughens

Makers of roofing sheets in Nigeria say the minimum standard measurement gauge for their products should be 0.3mm as against 0.04mm obtained earlier.

The preference for a lower standard measurement over a higher one is predicated on their inability to compete favourably with importers which bring aluminium products with 0.2mm, which is a lower quality.

“This measurement, if it is agreeable with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), will be signed into law,” said the manufacturers, under the auspices of Primary and Secondary Aluminium Producers sub-sector of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, in a sub-sector report obtained by Real Sector Watch.

The group said it has observed that multiplicity of gauges have opened avenues for smugglers who now import aluminium roofing sheets which has a quality as low as 0.2mm into the Nigerian market.

However, Real Sector Watch gathered that after the meeting with Ikemefuna Odumodu, director-general of the SON in March this year, it was all agreed that the standard for aluminium gauge in the country would remain 0.4mm without negative tolerance.

It was also agreed that aluminium products produced and sold in the local market should be emboldened with Caliber.

“There will be awareness for buyers to insist on seeing the calibre on the product before purchase,” the group said.

The sub-sector also agreed on the duty for aluminium can as 20 percent, while that of aluminium (not alloyed) with HS Code 7604.1000.00 be 10 percent. It was further agreed that duty on other aluminium plain coils with HS Code 7606.1190.00 and 7606.1290.00 would be 10 percent.

In a sectoral report of steel and aluminium makers of MAN, Real Sector Watch also gathered that the group resolved to make efforts to create a department on steel in polytechnics and offer its support in training students for a period of one year or, as an alternative, support any institution on steel.   These are meant to plug skills loopholes in the steel industries and help steer the country’s industrialisation.