.

•As firm unveils centre for sustainable building solutions

By Cynthia Alo

Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Mr.Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, has said that despite the known perennial challenges affecting the economy, investors are still demonstrating resilience towards the economy.

Ajayi-Kadiri was speaking at the backdrop of the launch of a training center and Modular Mixing Line in Lagos by Knauf, a German-owned manufacturing and construction company.

He noted that Nigeria’s economy has huge potential and remains the best place to invest in Africa.

The training center is expected to equip artisans, architects, civil engineers, craftsmen and stakeholders with the essential and modern technological skills for sustainable building solutions and the growth of the construction industry in Nigeria.

According to the MAN boss, despite the challenges that have prevented people from investing in the country, only those who are on ground when things are bad, will reap the benefits when things turn out.

He said: “Our connection with Kanuf is because they have a modular mixing line which makes them manufacturers and puts them among those who are moving and contributing to the country’s Gross domestic product.

“MAN is proud of Knauf and we look forward to leveraging on the upskill training that will be given to influence the outcome of labour. We will continue to advocate for an environment that is conducive for business.

Also speaking, Regional Manager Western and Southern Africa, Knauf, Vincent Allard, stated that the center will offer up to 800 training positions per year and has an investment volume of approximately 700,000 pounds. He noted that the centre is part of a large-scale joint training offering by Knauf, DEG and the BMZ in countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia.

Managing Director, Knauf Nigeria, Mr. Ihendu Okoronkwo stated that the foreign direct investment that Nigeria has been seeking is what is obtainable with Knauf training centre.