Unregulated importation of aluminium profiles in Nigeria, killing the local production: Joneay Lei, Rongtai Aluminium

The aluminium producers of the largest economy of Africa, Nigeria and also projected to rank among the world's top ten economies by 2050 are calling out over unregulated importation of aluminium profiles into the country, expressing grief that the method is killing the local production.

Joneay Lei, the Deputy Director of Rongtai Aluminium revealed that there are large numbers of traders who import the products and ravage the market by selling them at a very cheap price.

“This uncontrolled importation is not helping local production”, Lei said.

 He further added: “The huge number of small importers of the product is affecting the quality of the product that litters the market.”

On the second anniversary event of Rongtai Aluminium, the Deputy Director advocated: “Lack of protection for local producers can hurt the market and thereby discourage new investors from coming into the business.”

“The challenge we are facing is that there are too many importers, especially the small-scale ones, they group to bring just 1 or 2 containers in a month, and to pay off the money they owe their suppliers from China for the goods in time, they would sell way below market price, which is seriously affecting the market order.”

“Plans are already on to discuss the challenges with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to seek possible solutions.”

“We are trying to make approaches to MAN (Manufacturers Association of Nigeria) to see if there’s any possibility to increase the customs duty for importation of Aluminium profile, they replied that they’ll try and make suggestions to Nigerian Customs, to maintain a good order in the local market.”

The Deputy Director said Rongtai Aluminium with 50,000 tonnes production capacity annually, can fulfil 80% of the local demand.

Rongtai Aluminium commenced business with just two machines two years ago now has 18 pressing machines, with a total workforce of more than 600. The company’s flagship product-Solid King is already in every corner of the country.

With its headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, the company also distributed education materials and cash to two schools as part of the company Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Chief Donald Chiwetalu, Head of distribution for Rongtai Aluminum, Abuja branch, has said that the organization has shown devotion and strength throughout the last 2 years.

He also added: “The Company has established a standard for aluminium in the country, making it the country’s leading producer of aluminium profiles.”

Igwe Emmanuel Chidozie, a dealer, applauded the company for all its professionalism and outstanding humanitarian efforts.