NAN-H-110
Institute
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) Dr Paul Mamza, the National President of Polymer Institute of Nigeria (PIN), has urged stakeholders to swiftly move the country from a consumer society to an
export-oriented country.
Mamza made the call at the Institute’s 27th Annual General Meeting/Annual Technical Conference, with the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Potential through Polymer Science and Technology” on Thursday in Abuja.
He said there was urgent need to diversify the economic base, adding that polymer scientists, technologists, engineers and industrialists could play a vital role in re-assessing the country’s hidden and non-exploited potential.
He added that “there must be partnership among government at all levels, the Institute and other sister organisations, in the effort to swiftly move this country from consumer society to an export- oriented country.
“We must develop ways to improve the lot of our people through interventions in self-employment and entrepreneurship skills-transfer.
“PIN is hereby affirming its willingness to assist Federal Government in all spheres of its professional endeavours through value-oriented contributions to successfully tackle inherent challenges of the current recession.
“With the vast pool of professionals in our institute and proper utilisation of knowledge, there is hope looming in the horizon.’’
The national president also urged the Federal Government to provide an enabling environment for such partnership to be result-oriented.
He said PIN was ready to give the requisite support and assistance in all processes requiring the application of all facets of polymer science, technology, engineering and industrialisation.
Dr Hussaini Ibrahim, the Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) said that the theme of the conference was apt.
The RMRDC boss, represented by Dr Zainab Hammanga, the Director of Investment and Consultancy Services of RMRDC, said that the theme was in line with the current administration’s commitment to diversify the economy.
He added that import substitution and revival of agriculture, solid minerals and downstream sector of the petroleum industry would ultimately ensure economic growth and development of the nation.
He said that “the RMRDC, in its efforts to promote the development and optimal utilisation of Nigeria’s natural resources for industrial growth, is collaborating with polymer industry to address some of the challenges and constraints affecting the sector.”
In his remarks, Dr Amali Ejila, the Director, Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology, Zaria, said that the Nigerian polymer industry was not without its pitfalls against diversification.
According to him, it has been claimed that about 80 per cent of the various polymer used in the country are imported.
He, however, said that the local polymer experts were not encouraged to domesticate their skills.
He noted that the Nigerian petrochemical industry was yet to be developed to produce the essential chemical inputs required by polymer industries.
“The reality is that there is no virile polymer industry in Nigeria; the country has less than 500 polymer industries only compared with the total number of India’s over 500,000 of such firms.
“In addition, the polymer industries in Nigeria only produce plastics and rubber to the detriment of other speciality polymers. (NAN)
COA/HAS/HA
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