Housing Show: Indigenous companies seek FG’s partnership, support
By Ella Anokam
Housing
Abuja, July 18, 2018 (NAN) Some indigenous construction companies at the ongoing 12th Abuja International Housing Show have called on the Federal Government to assist them with loans to boost their businesses.
Some of the indigenous exhibitors made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday at the ongoing show holding from July 16 to July 19 in Abuja.
The indigenous companies also called for partnership between the Federal Government and the organisers of the housing show for the growth of the sector.
Mrs Helen Uchechukwu, the Managing Director of Window Story, Nigeria urged the government to try and reach out to the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) through the housing show for financial support.
“The Bank of Industry and Central Bank of Nigeria should try and identify and assist the SMEs through the show because most of the SMEs in the built environment are just trying to grow.
“Some of these SMEs are looking for loans and incentives to boost their businesses but due to some bottlenecks they cannot achieve that.
“We are committed to the housing industry and we need the loan to boost production and patronage, ‘’ she said.
Uchechukwu, an architect said that the Window Story started assembling in Nigeria since 2013 and had grown overtime through Abuja Housing Show which it started attending in 2014.
She said that the company, which specialises in automated manual window blinds, curtains and shutters, was able to build collaboration with some relevant industries in the sector which accounted for a lot of growth and patronage.
“This show is our main source of patronage, it accounts for 80 per cent of our sales, the sales keep flowing throughout the year,’’ she said.
The expert however appealed to the government to sustain the show, which had been the biggest in West Africa as an avenue for growth in the built environment.
“I want the Federal Government to specifically reach out to the convener and exhibitors for sustenance,’’ she said.
Mr Gosife Etele, the Assistant Manager, SOLIGNUM Nigeria, a building company, also commended the housing show for the growth and recognition the company had received over the years.
Etele said that the company’s participation in the show had helped his organisation in boosting patronage through sensitisation and awareness being created during the show.
“After showcasing and sensitising participants on the chemicals, there tend to be more turnout of customers,’’ he said.
Another indigenous company, SINOMA Construction Company located at Kuje, Abuja, which specialises in stone coated roofing sheet also urged the government to assist local manufacturers for economic growth.
Mr Mejabi Daniel, the Admin and Marketing Coordinator of the company said apart from stones which were sourced locally, it was highly in need of steel to boost production. (NAN)
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Edited by Grace Yussuf