By Kayode Olopade
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s manufacturing, real estate, construction and banking sectors have called on the federal government to prioritise the development of the nation’s ceramic industry through investment, innovation and others as part of efforts to accelerate industrialization, stimulate economic growth, create jobs and transform Nigeria’s ceramic industry.
Speakers made the remarks at the Nigeria’s Ceramic Investment Summit and Product Exhibition 2026 (NCISPE 2026), where industry leaders, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs and development partners congregated to explore opportunities for accelerating growth across the ceramic value chain.
Speaking at the First-Ever Nigeria Ceramic Investment Summit and Product Exhibition 2026 (NCISPE 2026), the Convener, Professor of Ceramic Engineering, Engr. Eguakhide Patrick Oaikhinan said Nigeria possesses enormous untapped potential in the ceramic industry but requires deliberate actions to unlock its economic benefits as a major ceramics production hub.
He highlighted that strategic investment, strong policy direction, innovation, collaboration, and long-term commitment are critical to building a globally competitive ceramic sector capable of supporting national development goals.
According to him, a well-developed ceramic industry would play a critical role in addressing the country’s housing deficit, supporting urban expansion, boosting infrastructure development, and enhancing the production of essential items such as sanitary wares, electrical insulators, table wares, and ceramic tiles, among others.
He stated that Nigeria is richly endowed with abundant ceramic raw materials deposited across several states, including Delta, Ogun, Edo, Anambra, Kogi, Nasarawa, and other parts of the country.
Oaikhinan said “The opportunities before us are enormous, and the responsibility to seize them belongs to all of us.The transformation of Nigeria’s ceramic industry can not be achieved by any single stakeholder. It requires the collective efforts of government, industry, academia, financial institutions, development partners, investors, technology providers, entrepreneurs, and civil society.”
He explained that the summit was designed as a platform to promote investment and industrial partnerships, showcase Nigeria’s ceramic potential, encourage innovation and technology transfer, facilitate collaboration between industry, academia, and government as well as develop practical solutions for sectorial growth.
Oaikhinan stated that it is important to place on record that due to the strategic importance of the sector to the Nigeria’s industrialization agenda, that invitations were made to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Federal Institute of Industrial Research; and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and expressed his disappointment that they were unable to honour their invitations and participate in the landmark gathering.
“Their absence is particularly regrettable given the critical role these institutions play in the mineral resource development, industrial policy, export promotion, research and development, value addition and advancement of local manufacturing.
“ We hope that future engagements will witness a stronger collaboration and active participation of these key institutions as we collectively work towards unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria ceramic industry and positioning the sector as a major contributor to national economic development,” Oaikhinan stressed.
He commended the organising committee, sponsors, exhibitors, researchers, investors, and industry stakeholders for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s industrial future.
The summit also highlighted the role of startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs in driving industrial growth, with participants encouraged to leverage emerging partnerships and investment opportunities to scale their businesses.
He said NCISPE 2026 represents a collective effort to build a stronger and more competitive ceramic industry that can create jobs, attract investment, support affordable housing, increase exports, and strengthen local manufacturing.
Dr Niyi Adeleye, Founder/CEO Perfection Real Estate Group speaking on “driving affordable housing through local ceramic manufacturing, a real estate developer’s perspective” noted that Ceramics are more than decorative finishes; they influence project value and buyer experience, while for Nigeria, the sector supports local content, import substitution, jobs, skills and diversification
Niyi underscored what government, developers, and investors must do, adding that “government must create the right environment: energy support, clusters, raw materials, roads, incentives and standards.
“Public procurement can encourage certified local ceramic products in housing and infrastructure.
“Developers should engage serious manufacturers, share demand forecasts, support pilots, and specify proven local products.
“Investors should treat the ceramic value chain as a serious opportunity — from raw materials to installation systems.“Ceramics are not just products; they are an ecosystem.”
On her part, Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, SME Banking speaking on “Unlocking growth in Nigeria’s Ceramics Sector Through Inclusive Banking” explained that every SME faces two distinct sets of challenges non-funding issues from structural / business-management capacity as well as funding issues linked to Access To Finance.
She noted that government policy is the most powerful force shaping the sector, and so there is the need to bar the government agencies from procuring foreign goods that can be made locally — a potential public-sector demand boost for local ceramics.
Ugochi listed the classic 5 Cs of credit — what a ceramic SME must show to the bank, especially Fidelity Bank to include: Character, Capacity, Capital, Conditions and Collateral, stressing that no financier will fund a business with sub-optimal structures.
The stakeholders unanimously agreed that the sector possesses enormous potential to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrial transformation agenda while creating opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises across the value chain and therefore urged the federal government to provide the necessary policy support, infrastructure, and incentives required to unlock the vast potential of the ceramic industry.
They expressed confidence that with the right investment and regulatory framework, Nigeria could emerge as Africa’s leading ceramic manufacturing hub, leveraging its abundant natural resources to drive sustainable economic development and industrial competitiveness
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