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The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) says the use of obsolete technology and equipment for processing metallic raw materials is making local input sourcing difficult in the paint and coatings industry.
Speaking at the 2017 Coatings Show Paints organised by Paint Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMA), Ibrahim Hussaini Doko, director-general of RMRDC, said this was one of the reasons why the industry remained import dependent.
According to Doko, another factor militating against the industry was the non-completion of the second phase of the petrochemical industry, which would produce most of the chemical-based raw materials used in the industry.
He said that most beneficiating plants processing locally available non-metallic raw materials for the industry were operating below installed capacity, adding that there was still low level of research and development (R&D) in the processing of metallic, non-metallic and agro-based raw materials needed in the sub-sector.
The paint and coating industry consists of manufacturers of paints, varnishes, lacquers, shellacs and stains. The industry is hard hit by faking and influx of cheaper alternatives from Asia. The automotive sector, which is expected to boost the industry, is challenged by policy flip-flops, foreign exchange volatility and double-digit inflation. There is also low level of patronage by the oil and gas sector, which is expected to bolster the industry through contracts.
“However, there is a gradual change in this status because Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited (IEPL) has commenced the production of both polyethylene and polypropylene which are the building blocks of most chemical raw materials for the coating industry,” Doko said.
“The Dangote refinery and petrochemical plant are progressing successfully and looking at the completion in 2019,” he stated.
“The Warri Petrochemicals Company has also commenced the production of carbon black. With 18,000 metric tonnes (MT) per annum capacity, the petrochemical plant produces about 1,000MT/month N330 grade of carbon black,” he disclosed.
He revealed that a local firm 7T Micron Powder Limited had successfully produced thermoplastic road-marking paints, which was superior in quality to imported ones.
He expressed hope that the policy of diversification of the economy relating to the solid mineral sector would lead to the proliferation of solid mineral processing industries.
“Strategies put in place by the government for competitiveness of Nigerian raw materials and products will lead to advance in technological development of the industrial sector,” he stated.
ODINAKA ANUDU
