Amid persistent foreign exchange volatility, Nigerian manufacturers are increasingly turning to local raw materials in a bid to stay afloat and reduce dependence on costly imports.
Industry players say the sharp depreciation of the naira has made importing inputs unsustainable, forcing factories to adapt by sourcing alternatives within the country. This shift, while challenging, is reshaping supply chains and creating fresh opportunities for local producers.
According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), several companies have already restructured operations to rely more on indigenous resources, with some investing in backward integration to secure their supply base.
Analysts note that while the trend could strengthen Nigeria’s industrial resilience and spur domestic production, it also exposes limitations such as inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent power supply, and low-quality substitutes for some imported materials.
“The crisis is forcing innovation and self-reliance, but long-term competitiveness will depend on government policies that support manufacturing and stabilize the economy,” an economist observed.
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