Schneider Electric powers Nigeria’s sustainable manufacturing future

Schneider Electric is helping Nigerian CPG manufacturers embrace electrification, digitalisation, and circularity to boost profitability and drive long-term sustainability

In Nigeria’s dynamic Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, manufacturers are grappling with a challenging balance. Faced with inflation, currency instability, and investor demands for rapid returns, many companies are prioritising short-term profits over long-term viability. This approach has fuelled the misconception that financial success and environmental sustainability are incompatible. However, Nigerian manufacturers have the opportunity and responsibility to pursue both.

Highlighting emerging strategies that enable sustainable and profitable growth, Ajibola Akindele, country president, Schneider Electric, stated, “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.”

Electrification plays a vital role in this transition. Nigeria’s CPG sector, especially the food and beverage segment, depends heavily on energy-intensive operations such as boiling, frying, and baking. Replacing diesel-powered systems with electric alternatives offers significant improvements in efficiency and environmental impact. “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.

As part of fostering regional collaboration, Schneider Electric recently hosted a CPG-focused partner event in Ghana. The event highlighted cutting-edge technologies designed specifically for the industry and gathered key stakeholders from across West Africa. This initiative underscores Schneider Electric’s dedication to equipping regional manufacturers with the tools and insights needed to navigate today’s energy and operational demands.

Digital transformation works hand-in-hand with electrification by injecting intelligence and adaptability into business operations. Through the use of smart sensors, cloud platforms, and AI-powered analytics, Nigerian manufacturers can now access real-time insights across their supply chains—from production to warehousing and distribution. Still, technology alone isn’t enough. Companies that commit to refining processes and upskilling their workforce are realising the full benefits of digitalisation, including improved product quality, reduced downtime, and greater efficiency. Predictive maintenance and digital twin solutions are already delivering tangible results in key manufacturing centres like Lagos, Aba, and Kano.

The third critical element, circularity, is reshaping how Nigerian CPG manufacturers approach resource use and waste management. Increasingly, companies are incorporating practices such as ingredient optimisation, the use of sustainable, locally-sourced packaging like cassava starch, and the repurposing of off-spec products. Regulatory frameworks from NESREA and LAWMA are also driving take-back and recycling programmes. Consumer research shows that a growing number of urban consumers strongly prefer brands that demonstrate clear sustainability practices.

“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,” commented Ajibola.

Schneider Electric continues to play an instrumental role in this transformation. From enabling smart factory capabilities in Agbara to pioneering circular practices in Ota, the company is empowering Nigerian CPG manufacturers to transform their sustainability goals into measurable results, laying the groundwork for a greener, more profitable future.