Abi Ayida, chairman of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc has called for a shift from product-driven innovation to solutions that address real economic, environmental and social challenges confronting Nigerians.
“Innovation should be measured not merely by the novelty of a product but by its usefulness and ability to create tangible value.
“Innovation is not simply about producing something new. It is about producing something useful and solving problems,” Ayida said in Lagos at the unveiling of Berger Paints’ Cool Comfort thermal paint solution.
Cool Comfort, which can be applied to both interior and exterior surfaces, is designed to reduce heat absorption in buildings and support more energy-efficient and comfortable indoor environments.
The product was unveiled at an industry forum that brought together professionals and stakeholders across real estate, construction, architecture, design, finance, investment, sustainability, facility management and government to discuss the future of Nigeria’s built environment.
Ayida said Berger Paints’ decades of experience in Nigeria’s built environment placed a responsibility on the company to apply its knowledge and expertise to contemporary challenges facing customers and communities.
He noted that the growing demand for buildings capable of responding to Nigeria’s climatic conditions while delivering greater comfort and resilience made practical innovation increasingly important.
The Berger Paints chairman also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the building industry, stressing that addressing the challenges confronting the sector required collective action across professional disciplines.
Alaba Fagun, group managing director of Berger Paints said Cool Comfort was developed in response to changing consumer needs and environmental challenges affecting the built environment.
“The journey to Cool Comfort was inspired by the need to enhance how Nigerians live in their homes and workspaces. We wanted to create a solution that responds to our climate, supports the wellbeing of occupants and contributes to energy conservation,” Fagun said.
She said the company had engaged stakeholders across the building industry to better understand the challenges faced by building owners, professionals and occupants.
According to her, the engagements reinforced the need to look beyond the physical structure and finishing of buildings in assessing their quality.
Fagun said the performance of a building should also be assessed by the comfort, efficiency and overall experience it provides to occupants.
She described Cool Comfort as part of Berger Paints’ response to emerging challenges in the built environment, saying the company believes Nigerian buildings should “perform better, feel better and contribute to an improved quality of life.”
Also speaking at the forum, Ibukun Awosika, founder and chief executive officer of The Chair Centre Group said businesses must develop a deeper understanding of customers and respond deliberately to changing market needs.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Innovation as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth,” Awosika said innovation should go beyond new technologies, products and processes.
She described it as a mindset that challenges established practices, identifies emerging needs and develops solutions capable of creating meaningful value.
Awosika also emphasised the importance of quality, safety, comfort and customer experience, particularly as consumers become more conscious of the value they derive from products and services.
