By Byron Osuji, Chinazum Opara
In a determined effort to rejuvenate the local metal industry in Abia State, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has initiated discussions with NNACO Metal Works, a prominent fabrication company based in Umuahia North local government area, aimed at establishing a ten-year collaboration to boost capacity utilization and industrial efficiency.
The RMRDC team, led by the Abia State Coordinator, Mrs. Oji-Nnorom C.G., were warmly received by the NNACO company’s Managing Director, Mr. Nnamdi Onwukanjo, briefed them on the firm’s diverse range of fabricated products, including iron gates, doors, stainless handrails, and aluminum tank stands.
Mr. Onwukanjo outlined key challenges facing the sector such as erratic power supply, high raw material costs, outdated equipment, and lack of sufficient capital. According to him, these limitations have reduced the company’s production output to just 10% of their monthly capacity.
Speaking the RMRDC Abia State Coordinator Mrs. Orji-Nnorom stated that the Council’s efforts was on improving access to raw materials for local manufacturers. She encouraged NNACO to adopt modern technologies like Electric Arc Furnaces to boost efficiency and emphasized the need for strong quality control and partnerships with academic institutions to develop skilled manpower.
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Mrs. Oji-Nnorom also advised NNACO to leverage funding opportunities such as low-interest loans from the Bank of Industry to acquire raw materials and equipment.
She highlighted an ongoing legislative effort by the RMRDC Director General to enact a 30% value-addition requirement for raw materials prior to export, an initiative expected to attract foreign investment and promote industrial sustainability.
The meeting concluded with optimism from both parties on the potential of this collaboration to transform the iron and steel sector in Abia State over the next decade.
