Cleaning industry stakeholders collaborate to elevating standards practices

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L-R:  Eniibukun Adebayo, chairman, Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association Chinyere Almona, director general, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( LCCI); Emeka Obegolu, president , Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Nnoli Akpedeye, managing director/CEO, Perfect Laundi Limited , and Brian Kang, general manager, home appliances, Life is Good (LG) at the Cleanshow Africa 2024 Exhibition and Conference , ”Positioning Africa’s Fabricare and Hygiene Industry for Excellence” in Lagos on Tuesday.

Stakeholders in the Cleaning Industry have restated their commitment to elevate  standards and practices within the fabric care and drycleaning industry across Nigeria.

They made their commitments during a two- day clean show and exhibition organisers by the Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association (FPDA) themed: Positioning Africa’s Frabricare and Hygiene Industry for excellence: Adopting World class practices.

At the inaugural show sponsored by the LG Electronics, were displays and exhibition of innovation and world class technology by professionals in the cleaning industry.

In his address, Chairman of FPDA, Eniibukun Adebayo, noted that

It’s a new dawn for the fabric care and drycleaning industry in Africa.

“As we gather here at the inaugural CleanShow Africa Conference and Exhibition, we stand at the threshold of a transformative era.”

Adebayo said the day was a twin program as the association was celebrating its first anniversary and also the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts that promise to redefine the industry.

He noted that the advancements are not just milestones; they are stepping stones towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.

Adebayo pointed out that the Cleanshow Africa Conference and Exhibition is a testament to the association’s collective commitment to progress and excellence.

“This event brings together industry leaders, innovators and experts from around the globe to showcase the latest advancements in fabric care technology, sustainable practices and business strategies.

” It provides a unique opportunity for us to learn, collaborate and inspire each other to achieve greater heights.

“We celebrate not only the growth and achievements of the FPDA over the past year but also the unity and collaboration of industry professionals who share the common goal of elevating the standards and practices within the fabric care and drycleaning industry across Nigeria.”

He encouraged participants to take the opportunity to learn from each other, to build lasting connections and to embrace the future with optimism and determination, saying: “Together, we can transform the fabric care and drycleaning industry in Africa as we set new standards of excellence and sustainability.”

“FPDA is dedicated to advocating for policies that support the growth and development of our industry. We are working closely with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that our industry is recognized for its contributions to the economy and is supported in its efforts to innovate and thrive.”

Adebayo expressed gratitude to the Board Members, Executive Officers, All FPDA members all around Nigeria especially those that have travelled down to Lagos for this event,

“Our partners and sponsors; we thank you especially LG Electronics for your unwavering support to the fabricare industry in Nigeria. Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in the success of our association.”

In his address, General Manager, Home Appliances, LG Electronics, Mr Brian Kang, noted that the cleaning industry plays a vital role in maintaining public health, productivity and overall well-being.

“We recognize the importance of this sector and are dedicated to supporting its growth and development.

“Through our sponsorship of Clean Show Africa, we aim to showcase our cutting-edge cleaning solutions, designed to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and promote eco-friendliness. Our products and technologies are tailored to meet the unique needs of African markets, supporting the region’s economic growth and development.

“Let us come together to shape the future of cleaning technologies and create a more sustainable tomorrow.”

On his part, President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu who spoke on the topic, “The imperative of constructive feedback and effective dispute resolution mechanisms in the dry cleaning industry,” applauded the theme of the event, noting that the quest for excellence is unending.

He challenged the exhibitors to keep reinventing to become better.

Dwelling on his topic, Obegolu questioned the participants how they resolved issues with customers.

“As we drive towards excellence, we must begin to ask ourselves that which is commonly found within our industry, which is customer disputes, customer complaints, how do we resolve them?”

He pointed out that today, the dry cleaning industry in Nigeria plays a significant role in meeting the demands of customers who seek professional care services in ensuring effective and customer centric service delivery.

“Your industry, like every other industry, must embrace constructive feedback and discipline resolution mechanism that meets the unique needs of industry.”

Explaining, he said constructive feedback means or helps businesses understand customers needs so they can continuously improve on their customer service and address any of their shortcomings on areas that there may be need to.

He also emphasised the need for getting insurance cover over claims and damages of customer’s products.

“So this conference provides us with a platform to discuss all this and fashion out ways to effectively deal with claims and customer complaints.

 He noted that effective dispute resolution mechanisms are very essential as they provide structured approach to resolving and addressing customer complaints, adding that it does not only help in maintaining customer trust and loyalty, but also mitigates the risk of negative publicity.

“Implementing robust dispute resolution process ensures that conflicts are handled promptly and fairly, thereby upholding the reputation of your business.

“In an industry where personal belongings are involved, people value their items of fashion.

“So where personal belongings are involved, the ability to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently is a key determinant of success and long term customer relationships.”

Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chinyere Almona believes that the clean industry sector contributes significantly to the economy of Nigeria, and facilitates business across other sectors.

She said it was laudable to attract attention to the investments in the sector.

Almona advised players in the sector to understand that they can’t play small anymore and that they needed to expand, “they need to grow, they need to professionalize even their little establishments for the growth that is coming.

“Because as you attract attention in this direction and investments come looking for you, you have to be ready.”

She urged the practitioners to join the chamber so that their voices can be heard over issues bedevilling the sector.

“At the chamber we have about 26 sectoral groups, because we believe in capacity building and advocacy, as there are some things that you can do alone as a small business.

That means that this sector needs to build critical mass within the chamber so that you have a strong sector for yourself, because that’s the way you can engage with governments in an appropriate manner and speak with one strong voice over policies affecting the sector.

“You have a right to speak, but sometimes as a small business, you can’t stand up and speak against something that the regulator has put out there.”

 President, Cleaning Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CPAN), Tunde Ayeye, told the exhibitors that they owe themselves the duty of making the best of the profession.

On the size of the cleaning industry which he said was $5 billion, he charged the players to understand and come together to create structure, form and order to lay a foundation for the future.

He reiterated the commitment of CPAN to join hands with the fabric care association to take the frontiers of the hygiene industry forward.