Nigeria Plans to Halt $13.291 Million Annual Adhesives Import, Says NARICT

In an address to journalists in Abuja, Prof Jeffery Barminas, the Director General of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), revealed the institute’s plan to curb Nigeria’s annual $13.291 million expenditure on adhesive imports. He outlined an innovative project centered on utilizing natural rubber latex to create adhesives suitable for various industries such as leather, wood, paper, foam, footwear, upholstery, and textiles.

Barminas emphasized NARICT’s pivotal role as Nigeria’s premier chemical technology research institute, entrusted with harnessing the nation’s abundant natural resources for practical industrial purposes. He underscored the significant drain on foreign exchange resulting from the country’s reliance on imported adhesives, citing data from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

The director general highlighted the imperative to develop indigenous solutions to reduce dependency on imported goods, stressing the potential economic benefits of domestically produced adhesives. NARICT’s initiative aligns with broader national efforts to enhance self-sufficiency, stimulate local industries, and foster economic growth through innovation and resource optimization.