Nigeria's manufacturing sector has shown remarkable resilience, with growth in output more than doubling year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. Despite this surge, the contribution of manufacturing to the country's GDP has paradoxically slipped, raising alarms about the sustainability of these gains. Analysts from the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) warn that a weak manufacturing base could undermine broader economic progress.
Yinka Kolawole, an economist at CPPE, emphasized the urgency of addressing structural issues, stating, "While we celebrate the growth in output, we must recognize that without a strong foundation, these gains are precarious." This highlights the critical need for investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to support long-term growth in the sector.
Looking ahead, Nigeria's policymakers face a pivotal challenge—balancing immediate output gains with strategies that strengthen the manufacturing base. To ensure that growth translates into meaningful economic stability, a comprehensive approach is essential. As the nation navigates these complexities, the focus must shift toward building a resilient manufacturing ecosystem that can sustain growth and enhance its contribution to GDP in the future.
