Business
Enforce Ban On Finished Furniture Imports, Association Urges FG
Zonal Chairman, Nigerian Welders Association (NWA), Alhaji Ola Balogun, has appealed to the Federal Government to ban importation of finished furniture, to save local furniture factories from collapse.
Balogun, who spoke on the rate of unemployment affecting local furniture producers in the country, made the appeal in an interview with The Tide source in Lagos, Friday.
He said that a large number of furniture factories and welders had been laid off work and were jobless, as a result of the incessant and indiscriminate importation of furniture.
According to him, the imported furniture is only flashy and cannot compete with the locally made ones in terms of quality and durability.
Balogun said the imported furniture were flashy because of the kind of sophisticated machines used in producing them.
He appealed to the government to intervene, by placing embargo on importation of some furniture, to encourage local manufacturers.
He insisted that the local furniture industry, with proper legislation, could provide huge revenue for the economy’.
He noted that some organisations and individuals have the misconception that indigenous producers and artisans were not good enough and then patronise imported furniture.
“One of the biggest challenges of the Nigerian economy is that it is import dependent.
“A number of companies that should have engaged in local production were importing finished products for domestic projects, which reduced gross domestic products and increased unemployment rate of the country.
“The Federal Government in 2004, under President Olusegun Obasanjo, introduced a new policy banning the importation of furniture into the country.
“This policy is to encourage economic growth and to promote local production of furniture.
“But recent developments have seen a downturn in investments and growth in the industry. The importation of finished furniture products has become rampant in the country,” he said.
He stressed that illegal trading of international furniture products in Nigeria had created a volatile business environment, where domestic furniture manufacturers cannot recover the capital they invested into setting up and running their furniture factories.
“It is time for the Federal Government to revisit and re-introduce the policies that will create growth in the furniture industry.
“If government fails to do this, and enforces the ban on importation of finished furniture into Nigeria, soon there won’t be an industry left to save.
“Proper implementation of legislation with appropriate methods of enforcement will force construction companies and traders to observe the relevant laws and policies,” Balogun said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
