Schneider Electric drives profit, sustainability in Nigeria’s consumer goods industry
In Nigeria’s fast-paced Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, manufacturers are faced with a difficult balancing act. Pressured by inflation, currency volatility, and investor demands for short-term returns, many are focusing on immediate profitability, ultimately at the expense of long-term sustainability.
This has led to a widespread misconception: that financial performance and environmental responsibility are mutually exclusive. In truth, Nigerian manufacturers can and must pursue both.
Speaking on the transformative emerging trends to drive sustainability and profitability in the manufacturing industry, Ajibola Akindele, country president, Schneider Electric, said, “Three transformative trends are emerging as key enablers of this dual pursuit: electrification, digital transformation, and circularity. These trends are helping businesses not only withstand current market pressures but also position themselves for long-term growth and resilience.”
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Electrification is a crucial step forward. Nigeria’s CPG sector, particularly food and beverage manufacturing, relies on energy-intensive processes like boiling, frying, and baking. Transitioning from diesel-powered systems to electric alternatives presents major efficiency and sustainability gains. But this shift requires a careful evaluation of infrastructure through electrical audits, as well as investment in solutions that ensure energy reliability, like microgrids, solar hybrid systems, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). These technologies are helping manufacturers cut costs, improve uptime, and reduce carbon emissions,” he said.
In the context of regional collaboration and innovation, Schneider Electric recently hosted a CPG-focused partner event in Ghana. The event showcased advanced technologies tailored for the industry and brought together key stakeholders across West Africa.
Attendees included Simeon Omughelli, key account manager, CPG & MMM, and Omobolanle Omotayo, marketing manager at Schneider Electric, among others. This engagement exemplifies Schneider’s commitment to supporting manufacturers across the region with the tools and strategies needed to meet today’s energy and productivity challenges.
Digital transformation complements electrification by bringing intelligence and agility to operations. Smart sensors, cloud-based platforms, and AI-driven analytics are enabling Nigerian manufacturers to gain real-time visibility across production, warehousing, and distribution. Yet, technology alone is insufficient. Companies that invest in process improvement and workforce upskilling are unlocking the true potential of digitalisation; improving product quality, reducing downtime, and boosting operational efficiency. Predictive maintenance and digital twins are already yielding results for manufacturers in hubs like Lagos, Aba, and Kano.
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The third pillar of circularity is redefining how Nigerian CPG companies manage resources and waste. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting practices like ingredient optimisation, sustainable packaging made from local materials such as cassava starch, and repurposing off‑spec products. EPR regulations from NESREA and LAWMA are now driving take‑back and recycling efforts. Consumer research indicates a strong preference across a large majority of urban buyers for brands with visible sustainability commitments.
“Nigeria’s CPG sector is at a turning point. Electrification, digitalisation, and circularity are no longer buzzwords; they are competitive imperatives. Manufacturers that embrace this integrated approach will not only strengthen profitability but also future-proof their businesses in a values-driven market,” Ajibola said.
Schneider Electric is proud to support this transition. From enabling smart factories in Agbara to advancing circular innovations in Ota, the company is helping Nigerian CPG companies turn ambition into action and build a more sustainable, profitable future.
