[Interview] Harvey Oiku: Founder, Blue Gold Corporate Concept, Nigeria
Harvey Oiku is founder of manufacturing company Blue Gold Corporate Concept Ltd., Nigeria.
Africa Business Communities speaks with him.
Would you please introduce BGCCL?
Blue Gold Corporate Concept Limited (BGCCL) is a Nigerian based manufacturing company. We are into the manufacturing and sale of pet plastic to water, juice, yoghurt, honey and other liquids (mostly edible) manufacturing and packaging organizations.
In which industries does BGCCL operate?
We operate in the Pet Plastic manufacturing and packaging industry.
What are the USP’s of your business?
Researching this industry back in 2012, we realized that a lot of customers had challenges with purchasing pet plastic for their packaging because of distance to manufacturers, structural deficiency in bottles leading to leakages and a lack of a service consciousness on the part of sellers. We identified these loopholes in the industry and we set out to close the gaps by providing free delivery services to customers, acceptable response time in product delivery, warehousing of customer products for a limited amount of time at no cost and an effective feedback mechanism to handle complaints from customers. These are our unique points.
Who are your clients?
Our clients include pure water factories transitioning into pet plastic water packaging, existing pet plastic water companies, startup beverage companies and pharmaceutical organizations.
How does BGCCL remain competitive in a fast-changing global marketplace?
We listen! We listen to our customer’s desires, identify the true need and evolve our offerings to satisfy that need. We take advantage of the social media platform and constantly engage our customers to better understand their needs. Satisfying this need is what creates the sale. Also, I have a team of driven individuals who are constantly studying market trends, identifying strategic time windows to enable us make the best decisions as a company.
What can be done by entrepreneurs and government to stimulate the business environment in Nigeria?
I think more private and public partnership should be fostered in the business environment. Also, investment in infrastructure to provide support for small scale business, more capital schemes initiatives in order to enable entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their businesses. Furthermore, the top entrepreneurs in the private sector should provide a platform for entrepreneurship mentoring and grants which will help for proper collaboration and growth amongst entrepreneurs. A notable initiative taking place in this area is the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) which I think all African entrepreneurs should subscribe to because it is one that has a long term vision for African entrepreneurs.
What can you say about the targets, plans and ambitions of BGCCL for 2015?
Growth! We are strategically positioning ourselves to take advantage of opportunities this year and create brand awareness. We have as such reviewed our current offerings and are preparing to release new products that cater to the needs of our customers and project our brand.
Do you believe Social Media and the Internet to be a plus to the business environment, as it applies to your industry?
Yes I do! I believe for any business to maintain relevance in the 21st century, it has to be social media eccentric and open to the innovations of the Internet. This is the new age of business and the opportunities are enormous; product awareness, sustaining and monitoring brand loyalty, customer feedback and building a global brand. The business environment is changing and these two forces are pushing it.
What expectations do you have for Nigeria´s economy in 2015?
My expectations are high. I envisage a lot of change, policy wise, and this would be a great stimulant for the economy. Also, a change in monetary policies to provide momentum for the real sector, which would in turn stimulate growth, create room for social investment, opportunities for entrepreneurs and a gradual move toward empowerment.
Which African countries will perform best in 2015?
Nigeria, with its current change in leadership and the underlying banner for change, expectations are high as the giant of Africa continues to stamp its dominance as Africa’s largest economy with its vibrant youth population.
Burkina Fasois also on my list. Its food and agriculture sector is growing and opportunities abound. This country is gradually building a stronghold for a strong export economy.
Kenya has seen an influx of companies and investments in the past few years. Reforms on the part of the government and the creation of an enabling environment have been key. Its current investment in infrastructure and technology is sure to spark more interest in one of Africa’s rising economies.
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with CEO's in Africa. Are you a CEO in Africa and interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba: andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com