‘How Industrialists, Business Owners Can Sustain Economic Growth, Boost Competition’

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin 

A Professor  of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship at Kwara State University, Malete (KWASU), Rahman Olarewaju Mustapha at the weekend called on the industrialists and business owners in the country to take customer satisfaction as a main priority in their operations if they want to remain competitive and achieve sustainable economic growth.

He identified quality assurance, reliable supply, technical support, innovation and relationship management as the five major pillars needed to build customer trust.

Professor  Mustapha made the submissions in Ilorin, the state capital  while delivering a commemorative lecture to mark the 35th anniversary of Lubcon Oil  Limited in Ilorin.

Lubcon oil is a  leading oli manufacturing company  established in Ilorin in 1991 by the Offa born industrialist and National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture(NACCIMA) , Engineer Jani Ibrahim.

It specialises in the production, blending, and distribution of quality engine oils, industrial lubricants, and petroleum-allied products.

However, Mustapha who spoke on the theme, “Customer Focus: The Heart of Sustainable Business Growth,” said that, “the changing business environment had made it necessary for companies to look beyond products and prices in dealing with their customers.”

He said customers were increasingly concerned about the quality of their experience, trust, transparency, responsiveness, value and the relationships they build with businesses.

Mustapha noted that businesses that placed customers at the centre of their operations could benefit from stronger loyalty, improved profitability, better innovation and a stronger reputation.

He identified quality assurance, reliable supply, technical support, innovation and relationship management as the five major pillars needed to build customer trust.

According to him, maintaining consistent quality is important because customers need to have confidence in the products they buy, while reliable supply ensures that products are available whenever they are needed.

He said businesses must also provide technical support to help customers get the best from their products, adding that innovation was necessary to meet changing market and industrial needs.

Speaking, the Group Managing Director of Lubcon, Mr Adesoji Fagbemi, said the 35th anniversary celebration provided an opportunity for the company to reflect on its journey and renew its commitment to the values that had sustained it.

Fagbemi, who delivered the opening remarks at the event, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for sustaining Lubcon over the years, saying the company had grown from humble beginnings into a respected brand serving customers across industries and geographical boundaries.

He said the company’s progress had been supported by determination, resilience, innovation and the commitment of its workforce.