Berger Paints Urges Government To Tackle High Import Tariffs, Unfair Competition
Berger Paints Nigeria Plc has called on the Federal Government to address high import tariffs on essential raw materials and take measures to curb unfair competition from imported paints.
The company made this appeal during a visit by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Enoh, to its headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Berger Paints, Mrs. Alaba Fagun, emphasized the challenges local manufacturers face, particularly in sourcing raw materials and competing with subsidized foreign products.
She urged the government to lower import duties on raw materials not locally produced while increasing tariffs on imported finished paint products to encourage local production.
“While we maximize local sourcing, some raw materials are unavailable in Nigeria, and the high import tariffs significantly increase production costs,” Fagun stated. “We need an increase in import duties on finished paint products by at least 50% to discourage importation and encourage patronage of locally made alternatives.”
The Minister, while commending Berger Paints for its resilience and contributions to the Nigerian economy, assured that the government is committed to supporting local industries. He revealed plans to establish an Industrial Revolution Work Group comprising representatives from different sectors, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), as part of efforts to implement the administration’s eight-point agenda, which includes industrialization.
Senator Enoh acknowledged the difficulties manufacturers face and reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a level playing field. “The government is pushing for the use of made-in-Nigeria goods and services while also ensuring quality standards,” he said.
Fagun also highlighted Berger Paints’ legacy of over six decades as a leading manufacturer of high-quality paints and coatings, stressing the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
She noted that the company has invested in state-of-the-art production technology, including an ultramodern fully automated factory, to ensure efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Despite these investments, she pointed out that penetrating key sectors, including the multinational oil and gas industry, remains a challenge due to a lack of adequate recognition of local manufacturers. She urged the Minister to advocate for greater inclusion of local industries in critical sectors.
Additionally, Fagun called for regulatory reforms to streamline business processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and provide financial support such as low-interest loans and grants to help manufacturers expand and upgrade their technology. She also stressed the need for stricter enforcement against substandard and adulterated paints that undermine industry standards and consumer safety.
Since its establishment in 1959, Berger Paints has built a reputation for producing premium-quality paints and coatings. The company continues to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth through job creation, skills development, and support for local suppliers, reinforcing its role as a key player in the country’s industrial sector.
