At the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Ikeja Branch CEOs Forum on April 24, 2025, Dr. Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), called on manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices to reduce their ecological impact.

Speaking under the theme “Sustainability of the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Way Forward,” Bamidele emphasized that sustainability is now a critical priority across industries. He highlighted that manufacturing consumes significant energy and water, generates waste, and contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Regulatory Pressure and Business Risks
He noted that governments worldwide are enforcing stricter environmental regulations, warning that non-compliance could lead to fines, legal action, and reputational damage.

Challenges and Solutions
While acknowledging obstacles like high upfront costs, supply chain complexities, and regulatory hurdles, Bamidele recommended:

Eco-friendly product design aligned with sustainability goals.

Green operational practices across all processes.

Workforce upskilling to support the green transition.

MAN Advocates for Sector Support
MAN Director-General Segun Ajayi-Kadir stressed that Nigeria’s inclusive growth depends on a stronger manufacturing sector. He called for ongoing dialogue with the government to address industry challenges and urged policymakers to prioritize manufacturing.

“MAN remains committed to advocating for policies that boost the sector and will leverage its influence to ensure government support,” he said.

Waste Management Concerns
Mr. Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager of Lagos State Wastewater Management, raised concerns about industrial waste, particularly sewage, urging compliance with environmental laws. He pledged closer collaboration with MAN to develop sustainable waste disposal models.

A Call to Action
Mr. Robert Ugbaja, Chairman of MAN Ikeja Branch, described sustainability as an urgent necessity rather than a trend. He expressed manufacturers’ readiness to adopt global best practices and integrate sustainable frameworks into their operations.

The forum underscored the need for collective efforts among industry players, regulators, and policymakers to ensure a greener, more sustainable future for Nigerian manufacturing.