RUBBER production in Nigeria has been neglected, following the discovery of oil in the country, according to the President of the National Rubber Association of Nigeria (NRAN), Emmanuel Bassey. The association, which seeks to resuscitate the declining industry said that its revenue potentials present economic advantages and boost employment and rural development.
It said that rubber used to be the fourth largest foreign exchange earner for Nigeria after crude oil, hide and skin and cocoa. Bur the Government has shifted its focus to crude oil – neglecting rubber.
Rubber production has seen decline from a peak of 113,479 metric tonnes before the advent of crude oil, to 46,000 metric tonnes in 2004 and has since barely increased production, the association said.
Low rubber production has been attributed to low yield of trees particularly the unknown pedigree used by small holders; and proliferation of old trees that are past their peak of production, amongst other factors.
Bassey said reaching even half of its rubber production targets could rake in significant revenue for the country. From that, Nigeria could earn not less than US$2.86 billion (N3.2 trillion) from export, as well as generate employment for over 400,000 persons and develop the required boost in rural development and environmental conservation, he said.
Industry experts emphasise the need to increase rubber production and innovate other uses for rubber to fill in the lag in rubber consumption for car tyres use, following the exit of tyre makers, Michelin and Dunlop, which account for a large percentage of rubber consumption.