Business

The Importance of PVC in Your Building by Dennis Isong

Published

3 months ago

August 19, 2024

The Importance of PVC in Your Building by Dennis Isong

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride. It is one of the most widely produced plastics in the world, known for its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. PVC is composed of two basic building blocks: chlorine derived from industrial-grade salt and ethylene, which is obtained from petroleum or natural gas. The result is a highly durable and malleable material that can be manufactured in both rigid and flexible forms.

In its rigid form, PVC is commonly used in the construction industry for pipes, window frames, doors, and other structural applications. In its flexible form, it is used for a variety of purposes such as electrical cable insulation, flooring, and roofing membranes. Its resistance to environmental degradation, chemicals, and moisture makes PVC an ideal choice for many building applications.

How PVC Gained Popularity in Nigerian Buildings

PVC’s rise to prominence in Nigeria’s building industry can be traced back to the late 20th century, when there was a growing demand for affordable and durable construction materials. Prior to the widespread use of PVC, Nigerian construction largely relied on traditional materials such as wood, metal, and concrete, each of which had its own set of limitations.

Wood, while aesthetically pleasing, was susceptible to termites, rot, and warping, especially in Nigeria’s humid climate. Metal was prone to rust and corrosion, and concrete, though strong, was often expensive and difficult to mold into intricate shapes.

As the Nigerian economy began to grow, driven by oil revenues and urbanization, there was a push to modernize infrastructure and housing. PVC emerged as a solution to many of the challenges posed by traditional materials. Its versatility, affordability, and resistance to environmental factors made it an attractive option for builders and architects. The ability to mass-produce PVC products also meant that they could be made available to a broader market at lower costs.

PVC’s popularity further soared with the advent of PVC ceiling panels, doors, and windows, which became common features in Nigerian homes and commercial buildings. These products offered a modern look, were easy to maintain, and provided a practical alternative to more expensive materials. Over time, the use of PVC expanded to other areas such as plumbing, wiring, and interior finishes, cementing its place in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Importance of PVC

The importance of PVC in building construction cannot be overstated. Its role in modern architecture and construction has transformed the way buildings are designed and built. Below are some of the key reasons why PVC is so crucial in construction:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: One of the main reasons for PVC’s widespread use is its cost. Compared to traditional materials like wood, metal, and glass, PVC is relatively inexpensive. This affordability allows builders to keep construction costs down while still maintaining quality.

2. Durability: PVC is resistant to weathering, chemicals, and corrosion, which makes it ideal for use in harsh environmental conditions. Whether it’s the humid climate of Lagos or the dry heat of the northern regions, PVC products are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

3. Versatility: PVC can be molded into various shapes and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. From pipes and fittings to window frames and ceiling panels, the material can be used in almost every aspect of building construction.

4. Low Maintenance: PVC requires minimal maintenance. It does not need painting, polishing, or sealing, unlike wood or metal. This reduces the long-term costs associated with building upkeep.

5. Energy Efficiency: PVC’s insulating properties make it an excellent choice for windows and doors, helping to maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption in buildings.

6. Safety: PVC is a safe material for use in construction. It is fire-resistant and does not ignite easily. In the event of a fire, PVC products tend to self-extinguish, reducing the spread of flames.

7. Environmental Impact: Although PVC is a plastic, advancements in recycling technology have made it possible to recycle PVC products, reducing their environmental footprint. Many PVC manufacturers are now producing eco-friendly options that are made from recycled materials.
Advantages of PVC
PVC offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive choice for builders, architects, and homeowners alike:

1. Lightweight: PVC is much lighter than traditional building materials like wood or metal. This makes it easier to transport, handle, and install, reducing labor costs and construction time.

2. Water Resistance: PVC’s inherent resistance to moisture makes it an excellent material for use in plumbing and roofing applications. It does not rot or degrade when exposed to water, ensuring long-lasting performance in wet conditions.

3. Chemical Resistance: PVC is highly resistant to chemicals, acids, and alkalis, making it suitable for use in industrial applications where exposure to harsh substances is common.

4. Aesthetic Appeal: PVC products are available in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes, allowing builders to achieve the desired aesthetic look for their projects. Whether it’s a glossy finish for modern interiors or a wood-grain texture for a classic look, PVC offers endless design possibilities.

5. Noise Insulation: PVC’s insulating properties extend beyond just thermal insulation. It also provides excellent noise insulation, making it ideal for use in windows, doors, and walls to create a quieter indoor environment.

6. Recyclability: PVC is one of the few plastics that can be recycled multiple times without losing its properties. This makes it a more sustainable choice compared to other plastics, which often degrade in quality with each recycling cycle.

7. Flexibility: Flexible PVC can be used in applications where traditional rigid materials would not be suitable. This includes electrical cable insulation, flooring, and flexible piping.
Disadvantages of PVC
While PVC offers many advantages, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered:

1. Environmental Concerns: The production of PVC involves the use of chlorine, which can release harmful chemicals if not managed properly. Additionally, the disposal of PVC products at the end of their life cycle can pose environmental challenges, as they do not biodegrade easily.

2. Toxicity: When PVC is burned, it can release toxic fumes, including dioxins, which are harmful to both human health and the environment. This makes the improper disposal of PVC products a significant concern.

3. Limited Temperature Resistance: While PVC is resistant to many environmental factors, it has a limited temperature range. Exposure to extremely high or low temperatures can cause PVC to warp, crack, or become brittle.

4. Not as Strong as Metal: Although PVC is durable, it is not as strong as materials like steel or aluminum. For applications that require high structural strength, PVC may not be the best choice.

5. Plastic Appearance: Despite advances in design, some people still perceive PVC as having a “plastic” look, which may not be desirable for certain high-end or luxury applications.

6. Potential for Degradation: Over time, PVC can degrade when exposed to UV radiation from the sun. This can cause discoloration, brittleness, and a loss of structural integrity, especially in outdoor applications.

Conclusion
PVC is a valuable material in the building industry, offering a balance of cost, performance, and versatility. As the construction landscape continues to evolve, the use of PVC is likely to remain prominent, especially with ongoing advancements in recycling and sustainable production methods. Builders, architects, and homeowners must weigh the benefits and disadvantages of PVC to make informed decisions that align with their specific needs and environmental considerations.

For personalized assistance with your property needs, contact Dennis Isong, a top Lagos realtor specializing in helping Nigerians in the diaspora own property stress-free.

Contact: +2348164741041

Business

ATMs empty as banks ration withdrawals

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

ATMs empty as banks ration withdrawals

The Automated Teller Machines of Deposit Money Banks have consistently remained empty in recent months as banks grapple with a sustained low cash supply.

It was also gathered on Wednesday that some DMBs, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, have begun another round of cash rationing, restricting maximum over-the-counter withdrawals to a daily limit between N5,000 and N20,000.

While banks struggle to get cash, Point-of-Sales operators have been fulfilling the cash needs of customers.

Speaking at the Facts Behind the Rights Issue Presentation of FBN Holdings at the Nigerian Exchange Limited recently, the Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer of First Bank, Patrick Iyamabo, said that the matter was an industry-wide one and not peculiar to a specific bank.

He said, “It is an industry problem. Most customers after exhausting the options available in other banks, tend to settle at FirstBank to address their cash needs. The challenge differs by location but we know it is a challenge that the regulator is looking into to address. But as we speak of physical cash, we must appreciate that the direction of the industry is to go digital.

“A lot of our customers do most of their transactions digitally, and you heard the GMD speak to this, very often people don’t want to transact in cash. In terms of this new order, your bank, FirstBank is very well positioned so if you look at the statistics and I’m speaking to independent statistics, just pick up your NIBSS report, the bank with the most stable platform meaning availability to always transact digitally is FirstBank. So, all our customers have the benefits of having their cash in First Bank and having access to this cash anytime anywhere and as necessary. It’s a huge advantage.”

Speaking anonymously with The PUNCH, a banker at a tier-1 bank put the blame on the Central Bank of Nigeria.

As a result, many people have turned to Point-of-Sale operators, who have become the primary channel for cash withdrawals, albeit often at higher transaction fees.

Major commercial banks visited by one of our correspondents on Wednesday claimed not to have sufficient cash allocation hence the ration withdrawals to serve more customers.

The banks visited include Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank along Airport Road, and EcoBank at Jabi in Abuja.

A bank customer at EcoBank, who spoke without mentioning her name, said she was only allowed to withdraw N5,000 from N20,000 previously allowed.

“I was just informed that I can only withdraw N5,000 from my account. Can you imagine? The amount will can’t even take me home.”

Our correspondent received the same answer when he attempted to obtain cash.

At GTBank and Zenith Bank along the airport road, customers were permitted a maximum withdrawal of N20,000 from N100,000 previously disbursed as a daily limit.

A customer, Mr Faith, who visited the bank expressed shock about the new limit. He said the banks didn’t give any cogent reason for reducing the withdrawal limit.

“I just visited these banks, and I was informed that I can only withdraw N20,000 from N100,000, which was the previous limit. They didn’t even give any reason for reducing, now I have to start looking for cash elsewhere. This country is just so annoying,” He vented.

Cash scarcity became a recurring and widespread issue across Nigeria after the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced a controversial policy in January 2023, which significantly reduced the daily and weekly cash withdrawal limits to N100,000 daily, N500,000 weekly for individuals, and N5m for business entities.

This decision, aimed at encouraging a cashless economy, led to long queues at ATMs, increased difficulty in accessing physical cash, and a general disruption of daily financial transactions for millions of Nigerians.

The policy’s impact was felt particularly by those in rural areas and lower-income groups, who rely heavily on cash for their day-to-day needs, exacerbating economic hardships across the country.

Last week, data from the CBN showed that currency in circulation climbed 56.1 per cent year-on-year to reach N4.31tn, up from N2.76tn in September 2023, reflecting an increase of N1.55tn.

This is just as currency outside banks surged by 66.2 per cent in September 2024, reaching N4.02tn compared to N2.42tn in September 2023, a notable rise of N1.60tn in just one year.

This indicates that the volume of currency retained outside the banking sector outpaced the total released for circulation within the past year.

Compared to August 2024, currency in circulation rose by 4.0 per cent month-on-month, adding N166.2bn from the previous figure of N4.14tn.

The CIC is the amount of cash–in the form of paper notes or coins–within a country that is physically used to conduct transactions between consumers and businesses. It represents the money that has been issued by the country’s monetary authority, minus cash that has been removed from the system.

Earlier in September, the CBN announced plans to sanction banks that fail to dispense cash through their automated teller machines, as part of efforts to improve cash availability in circulation.

The CBN also revealed plans to release an additional N1.4tn into circulation over the next three months to ease cash flow within the banking system.

This strategy aims to ensure that ATMs and bank branches have sufficient cash, addressing ongoing challenges faced by customers over cash shortages.

Efforts to get a reaction from the apex bank on the new situation proved abortive as the acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali Hakama, did not respond to enquiries sent to her phone number.

Business

NNPCL Makes New Leadership Appointments

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NNPCL Makes New Leadership Appointments

The Board of Directors of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has just made fresh leadership appointments.

A communication by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the nation’s oil company, announcing the development reads…

The Board of Directors of NNPC Limited is pleased to announce a series of strategic leadership appointments. These changes
reflect our continued dedication to enhancing corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term success in Nigeria’s energy sector.

The following key appointments have been made:
1. Mr. Adedapo A. Segun has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Segun previously served as the Executive Vice President, Downstream, where he made significant contributions to the company’s downstream operations.
2. Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi has been named Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream.
3. Mr. Udobong Ntia has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream.

These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.

NNPC Limited remains committed to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritizing the interests of the Nigerian public in the petroleum industry.

Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
November 13, 2024S

Business

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

How Prophet Kingsley Predicted The Rumble In Pastor Adeboye Led RCCG

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the face of efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to thwart the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the previous sabotage of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

The respected clergyman made the call for nationwide prayers during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration’, which held in the capital city. While Adeboye did not explicitly name the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, his remarks echoed the ongoing attempts by oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning as it was designed to.

The Dangote Refinery based in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos is the only facility currently refining petrol in Nigeria, and Adeboye’s comments reflected the dispute between the refinery and oil marketers, who seek to continue importing fuel for personal gain.

Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that it was God who raised Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery after years of failed attempts to revive Nigeria’s four public refineries, which had consumed billions of Naira with little result. He questioned the persistence of fuel imports despite Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil producer.

“Are we under a curse?” he asked. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working. But God raised someone to build a refinery that works. He is not my relative, he is not from my village. He is not even a Christian, but he is a Nigerian who says, ‘Why should my people suffer when I have the means to build a refinery that can work?’ Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing.”

Adeboye also pointed out the damage caused by the fuel subsidy, describing it as a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources, contributing to the country’s mounting debts and corruption. He stressed that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy in 2023, Nigerians largely welcomed the decision, but oil marketers, who benefitted from the subsidy regime, were furious.

These marketers, the renowned pastor claimed, have formed alliances with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other powerful interests to obstruct the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This includes restricting access to crude oil, forcing Dangote to import crude from countries like the United States, among others.

He called for prayer for the total restoration of the country, noting that the Nigerian people are suffering the consequences, as the prices of essential goods have soared, pushing many items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. “The masses are the ones suffering because these marketers, who are bent on keeping imports alive, already have more money than they can ever spend,” he said.

Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products – and even to export surplus fuel – oil marketers continue to pressurise the government to allow ongoing petrol imports. This has placed additional strain on the Naira, which has continued to depreciate.

Recently, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the government to protect local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders, in line with provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).