Multinationals’ retreat in detergent sector paves way for local players-BUA Group
Onome Amuge
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State (centre left) and Kabiru Rabiu, chief executive officer, Starium Holdings, and group executive director, BUA Group (centre right), with officials of the state and Alaro City, during a visit to the Starium Detergent plant in Alaro City, Lagos, recently.
Kabiru Rabiu, the group executive director of BUA Group and the chief executive of Starium Holdings, has observed that the departure of several multinational detergent companies from the Nigerian market has created a vacuum in the availability of quality detergents.
According to Rabiu, this development has presented an opportunity for local manufacturers to fill the gap and cater to the growing demand for premium detergents, a challenge that Starium Holdings is already addressing with its Starium Detergent and Rafa Detergents brands.
Rabiu stated this when Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor,paid a visit to the Starium Detergents facility in Alaro City, Epe, Lagos State.
The facility is rated the second largest detergent plant in Nigeria. In addition, the state-of-the-art production plant, which features the biggest spray tower in the country with a 40-metre height and 7p.5-metre width, was supplied by an Italian manufacturer known for quality and efficiency.
Starium Nigeria Limited was established in 2003 and operates in the manufacturing, housing and infrastructure spaces in Nigeria.
Leading the pack in indigenous detergent production, Starium detergents are available in five pack sizes of 22g, 45g, 85g, 150g and 900g sachets and bags.
During the tour, Rabiu explained that Starium commenced production in 2024 and the company has completed plans to kick-off the construction of the second production line within the facility.
The Starium Holdings CEO also disclosed that Starium will soon commence exportation of some of its products to the West African markets.
He thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for creating an enabling environment for businesses and manufacturers in the state whilst commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision and foresight in establishing the Lekki economic city.
On his part, the Lagos State governor commended Starium for locating the facility in Lagos and creating employment for numerous people of the State. The governor expressed his delight at the local manufacturers who are filling the gaps left by some exited multinationals.
“BUA Group’s decision to establish a new detergent production facility in Lagos underscores its commitment to deepening investment in the detergent consumer market.
This proposed expansion will significantly enhance the company’s capacity to meet local demand,’’ he said.
The governor made the facility tour in company of Folashade Ambrose-Medebe, commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Investment; Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for Environment and Water Resources; Oluyinka Olumide, commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development; Olajide Babatunde,special adviser, E-GIS & Planning Matters; and Bode Agoro, head of service.
Also accompanying the governor was Ayodeji Gbeleyi, the chairman of Alaro City, who is also the director general of the Bureau of Public enterprises (BPE), and Chairman of Rendeavour (developers of Alaro City), as well as Yomi Adeola, the managing director of Alaro city,.