Environmental Protection: UNIDO Urges Nigerian Manufacturers to Adopt Sustainable Practices

By Abdullahi Lukman

The Programme Officer for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Nigeria, Dr. Reuben Bamidele, has called on Nigerian manufacturers to embrace sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact and minimize their ecological footprint.

Speaking at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Ikeja Branch’s CEOs/Managing Directors Forum in Lagos on April 24, 2025, Bamidele emphasized the growing importance of sustainability in the manufacturing sector.

At the event, which focused on the theme “Sustainability of the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward,” Bamidele highlighted the significant role manufacturing plays in energy consumption, water use, waste generation, and pollution.

He stressed that manufacturers have a responsibility to integrate greener practices into their operations, both to protect the environment and to meet increasing regulatory demands.

Bamidele noted that governments and regulatory bodies are implementing stricter environmental regulations, and non-compliance could lead to heavy fines, legal repercussions, and damage to a company’s reputation.

However, he acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to sustainable manufacturing, including high initial costs, supply chain complexities, and regulatory compliance.

“While sustainable manufacturing holds tremendous promise, it is not without challenges,” Bamidele said. “But manufacturers can make a significant impact by improving product design, adopting greener practices across all operations, and upskilling their workforce to meet the demands of the green transition.”

In his remarks, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of MAN, concurred with Bamidele, stressing that improving manufacturing performance is critical to achieving inclusive growth in Nigeria.

He urged the government to prioritize the sector and foster continuous engagement with stakeholders to better address the challenges faced by the manufacturing industry.

“We must continue to support government policies that promote manufacturing growth and ensure that attention is given to the sector’s development,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager of Lagos State Wastewater Management, also spoke at the forum, emphasizing the importance of managing waste, particularly sewage, which contributes significantly to pollution.

He encouraged manufacturers to adhere to waste management laws for the sake of environmental safety and public health.

Mr. Robert Ugbaja, Chairman of the MAN Ikeja Branch, concluded the event by stressing that sustainability is no longer a mere trend but an urgent requirement for manufacturers.

He assured the gathering that manufacturers are ready to engage with global standards and best practices in sustainable manufacturing to secure the future of the industry.

The forum, a key event for addressing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector’s role in environmental sustainability, highlighted both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the country’s industrialists.