Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s industrial hub faces a challenge as manufactured goods contribute only a small share of the country’s export earnings.
The Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) raised the concern in a recent report, revealing that manufactured goods accounted for just 2.94 per cent of Nigeria’s total export earnings in 2025, despite significant growth in overall exports.
The association warned that this trend could undermine the Federal Government’s plans under the Nigeria Industrial Policy (NIP) to strengthen the country’s industrial sector and expand its role in the African economy.
According to MAN, exports of manufactured goods remain a key measure of a country’s industrial strength and ability to compete in international markets. The association stressed that Nigeria’s low manufacturing export share raises questions about its progress towards becoming a major industrial economy.
MAN argued that countries cannot achieve industrial prominence without becoming significant exporters of manufactured products. It said Nigeria’s figures show that export growth continues to depend largely on primary commodities rather than goods produced by local industries.
The report highlights the gap between rising export earnings and the limited contribution of manufacturing to those earnings. While overall exports have grown, the small share generated by manufactured products suggests that the country has yet to make substantial progress in expanding its industrial exports.
The association’s concerns place renewed attention on the Nigeria Industrial Policy and the government’s ambition to build a stronger manufacturing base. Increasing the contribution of manufactured goods to export earnings would be an important indicator of progress towards that goal.
For Nigeria to become Africa’s industrial hub, the country will need to strengthen its capacity to produce and export manufactured goods, according to the concerns raised by MAN.
What steps should the Federal Government take to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing exports and achieve its industrial ambitions?
