Sona Group begins exports to Ghana

Sona Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate that manufactures containers and makes confectioneries, has commenced export of its products to other West African countries to take advantage of the market opportunities in the region.

“We have started with just two containers, but these two containers in our eyes are equal to 200 containers because when you have faith and you take one step at a time, you will reach your goal,” said Arjan Mirchandani, chairman of Sona Group on Thursday last week while speaking on the exports of confectionery such as chocolate and biscuits to Ghana.

Mirchandani said that Nigeria has an opportunity to replace all import with locally manufactured goods and save foreign exchange as the country cannot rely only on oil money.

“When you have too much of oil money, people get spoilt, when you have little you start looking at what you have at home.”

“But you must begin with one step. God said, ‘take one step, and I will help you and make sure that you walk ten further steps’.

“So, I think taking one step is better than not starting at all. I am encouraged and I believe this is just the beginning.”

Bimbo Ashiru, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry who represented Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State at the event, lauded Sona Group’s initiative for exporting goods to earn foreign exchange since the manufacturing giant has satisfied local demand.

Ashiru said that Governor Amosun has pledged to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State.

He explained that government recognises the fact that Ogun state is fast becoming largest industries hub of Nigeria and needs rapid infrastructure development that facilitates manufacturing activities and reduces cost of production.

“We are improving on infrastructure such as roads and security as part of effort to ease manufacturing activities across the state.”

The Sona Group requested the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish special funds dedicated to growth and developmen of manufacturing companies apart from existing loans that are available to manufacturers at a double digit interest rate.

The Sona boss said that interest rate obtainable from Nigerian banks is too harsh and costly to guarantee the desired growth for the manufacturing sector when compared to other foreign countries such as India and Switzerland, and therefore, could jeopardise quest for locally made goods as against imported goods.

“The banks are the more difficult, interest rates are between 20 to 30 per cent. With an interest rate of that nature, no business can survive.”

“In India and other countries, interest rates are two or three percent, four percent maximum. In switzerland, you will get money at one percent. When you have cheap money, you are more encouraged to invest more. We are still expanding. I don’t believe that there is reason to downsize and deny Nigerian workers of their livelihood.

“There is nothing wrong with Nigerian workers, they are very good. So, we are even more bullish in this period. This is a time to develop.  We want Federal Government to make cheaper loans available for the industry. We also believe that the government officials should visit industries more often and encourage them especially during moments of difficulties. It is the duty of everyone of us to join hands together to grow Nigeria.

“You can’t clap with one hands, you need two hands. That is why we think the Federal Government need to directly engage manufacturers and ask them what their problems are. We have written so many letters but we don’t get response from government; very unfortunate. We are producing 100 percent local raw materials.

 

RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta