By NKIRUKA NNOROM

As part of its continued growth strategy in key developing markets, DuPont has opened a new office in Nigeria to serve as its hub for the West African region. The company said it is currently working in partnership with local companies, industry leaders, academic institutions and government to produce innovative solutions in the country.

“Over the past several years, we have invested in developing markets and leveraged our technology. Our full-year financial results were very strong. Sales of $38billion were up 20 per cent compared to 2010, with a 27 per cent increase in developing markets,” said Ian Hudson, DuPont President Europe, Middle East and Africa, at the opening of its Lagos office.

He stated that with the new ultra-modern office in Lagos, the company has brought its services closer to the Nigerian people and has solidified its presence as stakeholders in the country’s economy.

Alessandro Raemy, Country Manager DuPont  Nigeria, stated that DuPont was eager to contribute towards uplifting the local economy by bringing the products and solutions to the market and helping to advance the agriculture, solar energy, oil & gas, communications, transportation, as well as safety & protection industries. Within the medium term, the company projects to invest $150 million (N223.7 billion) into Africa.

“Global companies can’t afford to neglect a fast-growing market such as Nigeria. The country’s current population is estimated at 167 million and it will increase by more than half within the next 40 years. This makes it one of the fastest growing populations globally,” said Raemy.  ”We must invest and partner today with key customers and stakeholders in Nigeria to support what we hope will continue to be the long term sustained growth of the local population and economy in the coming years”, he said.

Raemy stated that DuPont sees solid growth opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa, adding that he was optimistic the company’s capability and passion for innovation can help address the key challenges that Nigeria and its people are faced with and also contribute towards the country’s economic growth.

Raemy noted that all hands must be on deck to ensure that this projection comes true. “That would require people working together across borders, companies, governments, organizations and cultures to devise solutions – both large and small – that will improve the lives of people around the world and here on our local soil.”

Also speaking at the event, the Regional Director, Mr. Carlman Moyo, assured that the company will employ its scientific resources to fight the daunting challenges being faced by Nigerian farmers, security, as well as making energy available to all.

DuPont has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802.  The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment.