Berger Paints boss demands shift to problem-solving innovation

Abi Ayida, Chairman of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, has urged the company to pivot from focusing on novel product development to addressing real-world issues faced by Nigerians. At the unveiling of Berger Paints’ CoolComfort thermal paint solution in Lagos, Ayida emphasized that true innovation should be judged not by the uniqueness of a product, but by its practical value and problem-solving capabilities.

CoolComfort, suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces, is engineered to minimize heat absorption in buildings and foster energy-efficient, comfortable indoor environments. The product was presented at an industry forum attended by stakeholders from real estate, construction, architecture, design, finance, sustainability, facility management, and government to discuss the future of Nigeria’s built environment.

Ayida highlighted the company’s extensive experience in Nigeria’s built sector, stating that Berger Paints has a duty to apply its knowledge to contemporary challenges. He noted the growing demand for structures that can adapt to Nigeria’s climate while providing comfort and resilience, underscoring the importance of practical innovation.

Moreover, Ayida advocated for stronger collaboration among industry professionals to tackle systemic issues in the sector. The Group Managing Director, Alaba Fagun, explained that CoolComfort was developed to meet evolving consumer needs and address environmental shifts. Fagun explained that the product’s creation was driven by the need to enhance how Nigerians live in their homes and workplaces, supporting their well-being and reducing energy consumption.

Fagun emphasized that building quality should be judged by comfort, efficiency, and overall user experience, not just the physical structure. She described CoolComfort as part of Berger Paints’ response to emerging challenges in the built environment to improve the quality of life for Nigerian buildings.

At the forum, The Chair Centre Group’s Founder and CEO, Ibukun Awosika, called for businesses to deepen their knowledge of consumer trends and respond proactively to changing market dynamics. In her keynote address, "Innovation as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth," Awosika defined innovation as a mindset that challenges existing practices, identifies emerging needs, and delivers lasting value focused on quality, safety, and customer experience.