Members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) Abuja Chapter have recommended the use of Sinoma products by stakeholders in the building industry for their construction projects.

Chinese firms Sinoma New Material Nigeria Company Limited and Sinoma FABCOM Limited specializes in the production of Fiber Cement Boards, Stone Coated Roofing Tiles and Steel Roofing Sheets.

The Architects gave the endorsements after an on-the-spot inspection of Simona factories located in Kuje Area Council, FCT-Abuja recently.

In her remarks, Architects Yemi Sola-Adebiyi, Chairperson of the Nigerian Institute Of Architects, Abuja chapter said Sinoma products meet all industry standards in terms of quality, sustainability and affordability.

She expressed satisfaction that the materials used in producing the cement boards and roofing systems are sourced locally, thus promoting local content and made-in-Nigeria goods.

“To a large extent, I am impressed with what I have seen here today. The materials used in the production of these materials are locally sourced and we are happy about that. For instance, the paper pop, cement and sand used in the manufacture of the fiber cement board are all gotten from Nigeria. It is also green which is what we preach as Architects. The products are sustainable and the prices are reasonable.

“Therefore I encourage our members to look into this product not only for partitioning but also for external works, slab and finishing,” she said.

While calling on the government to provide an enabling environment to attract more foreign investors into Nigeria, Architect Yemi Sola-Adebiyi pledged the readiness of the association to partner with Sinoma as long as the company continue to maintain quality based on laid down regulations.

“To show our readiness for partnership, we invited close to 200 Architects in Abuja for this tour. We are very ready to work with Sinoma as long as they are doing what is right in line with the code and ethics of the profession. We are ready to add value whenever they need us. They must always engage Architects in the design and production line and we are ready to add that value.

“I understand that Sinoma is not a private company. It is supported and financed by the Chinese government. This is impressive and we need to do the same in Nigeria so that we can have more manufacturers coming in as long as they abide by the rules, and the business is beneficial to Nigeria,” she added.

On his part, Architect Ninah Nimi Briggs, immediate past chairman of the association commended Sinoma for setting up the factory in Nigeria thereby creating employment and contributing positively to the Nigerian economy and the housing sector.

“What struck me the most about Sinoma is the fact that this level of facility and infrastructure exists in Kuje, Abuja. Everybody that comes here will be very shocked by the scale of operation going on. This produces lots of employment and capacity building for the local communities. These are primary and secondary layers of economic activities going on here. I must commend Sinoma Family for this establishment. It is fantastic, the location excellent and the intention beautiful as well. It is good to know that this scale of building materials is locally manufactured here in Nigeria and I strongly recommend them to stakeholders in the sector.”

Others Architechs who spoke to newsmen advised Sinoma to maintain the quality they are known for and expand sales through strategic partnerships and advertising.

Zhang Hui, Chairman, of New Material Nigeria Company Limited said the Fiber Cement Board can be used for external wall siding systems, interior wall decoration systems, ceiling systems, flooring systems, and partition wall systems among others. He stated that the cement board is a better alternative to bricks and POP because it is eco-friendly, affordable, durable, saves time and is resistant to weather, water, fire, termite, with superior sound insulation.

He listed the types of buildings suitable for cement board application to include residential, commercial and industrial buildings as well as schools, and hospitals; “especially where speedy construction, cleanliness, and hygiene is of high importance.”

On his part, Qiuhuai Lei, Sales Manager of the SINOMA Fabcom said its stone-coated roofing tiles and steel roofing sheets are the most sought-after by Nigerian builders because of their quality, thickness, durability and comparative affordability.

He boasted that the company’s building materials have a life span of forty years because they are produced with the best raw materials in the industry.

Located in Kuje, FCT Abuja with branches across Nigeria, Sinoma New Material Company Limited and Sinoma Fabcom Limited are members of the China National Building Materials Group Corporation (CNBM).