LCCI Calls on FG to Support and Incentivise Nigeria’s N300bn Printing Industry

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the Federal Government to introduce strategic policies and incentives that will revitalise Nigeria’s printing and publishing industry, currently valued at over N300 billion, but struggling under the weight of high production costs, import dependence, and unfavourable fiscal conditions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director-General of the Chamber, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said the printing industry remains one of Nigeria’s most viable yet underdeveloped sectors, with vast potential for employment generation, skill development, and export earnings. She noted that despite the growth in education, advertising, and publishing, the sector continues to suffer from neglect, poor infrastructure, and limited government support.

According to Almona, the Nigerian printing industry is heavily reliant on imported raw materials such as paper, ink, and printing machinery, which account for over 70 percent of production costs. The recent volatility in foreign exchange rates, coupled with high import tariffs and logistical challenges, has made it increasingly difficult for printers and publishers to remain competitive.

She stated, “The Nigerian printing industry, which contributes significantly to the creative and educational economy, is at a critical juncture. Rising costs of production, weak access to foreign exchange, and infrastructural bottlenecks are threatening its survival. The Federal Government must step in to provide targeted interventions and incentives to stabilise the industry and protect local jobs.”

Almona emphasised that supporting the printing industry would align with the government’s renewed industrialisation drive and job creation agenda. She recommended the establishment of a Printing Industry Development Fund to provide low-interest loans to operators for equipment upgrades and local production of essential inputs like paper and ink.

“The printing sector employs thousands of Nigerians, directly and indirectly, through the publishing, advertising, and packaging value chains. Revitalising this industry will stimulate demand for local materials, foster small and medium enterprise (SME) growth, and enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in knowledge-based industries,” she said.

She also urged the government to revisit the tariff structure for imported printing machinery and raw materials, noting that the high duties currently imposed discourage investment and force many operators to import finished materials instead of producing locally. “We advocate for zero import duty on critical inputs that are not produced locally and for a reduction in port charges to ease the burden on manufacturers,” Almona added.

The LCCI boss further recommended a review of existing fiscal and trade policies to promote backward integration in the sector, especially in paper production. Nigeria’s only integrated paper mill, the Nigeria Paper Mill in Jebba, has remained largely inactive for years, forcing printers to rely on imported paper. Almona said that reviving the local paper industry would not only cut costs but also reduce the country’s dependence on imports and conserve foreign exchange.

Industry experts have long argued that the Nigerian printing industry could play a major role in economic diversification if given adequate attention. The sector covers a wide range of activities, including book publishing, packaging, commercial printing, newspapers, and corporate branding materials, all of which serve as vital components of both the educational and manufacturing ecosystems.

A veteran publisher, Mr. Lekan Alabi, speaking on the state of the industry, noted that poor infrastructure, inconsistent power supply, and the high cost of imported materials have made it difficult for local printers to compete with their counterparts in countries like China and India. “It is cheaper for many Nigerian businesses to print their books or packaging materials abroad and ship them back to Nigeria. This situation not only drains foreign exchange but also denies local printers the opportunity to grow and employ more people,” Alabi lamented.

The LCCI’s intervention, according to analysts, comes at a time when stakeholders in the creative and educational sectors are grappling with inflationary pressures and shrinking margins. Data from the Printing and Publishing Association of Nigeria (PPAN) indicates that production costs have risen by nearly 200 percent in the last three years due to escalating exchange rates and import levies.

In addition, the Nigerian currency’s volatility has made it nearly impossible for small and medium-sized printers to acquire modern equipment or raw materials, forcing many to close shop or downsize. The association warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the sector’s contribution to national GDP could decline sharply, with ripple effects on education, advertising, and publishing.

Almona suggested that the government collaborate with key stakeholders to develop a National Printing Industry Policy, similar to what exists in countries like India, Malaysia, and South Africa, where the printing sector is recognised as a strategic contributor to GDP and cultural development.

She said, “Government support through tax incentives, credit facilities, and technology transfer will strengthen the competitiveness of the printing industry and position Nigeria as a hub for printing services in West Africa. The Chamber also calls for the inclusion of printing and publishing in the list of priority sectors eligible for intervention funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Industry.”

The LCCI further called for better synergy between the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Information and National Orientation; and Education to ensure coordinated policy implementation that addresses the peculiar challenges of the sector. Almona added that capacity building and vocational training should also be prioritised to equip young Nigerians with the technical skills required to operate in a modern printing environment.

She concluded by reaffirming the LCCI’s commitment to working with government and industry players to achieve a competitive, technology-driven, and sustainable printing industry capable of supporting national development goals. “A vibrant printing industry is not just about books or packaging—it is about education, communication, and identity. Nigeria must not allow this critical sector to wither,” she said.