The Federal Government has begun policy interventions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s paper manufacturing sector and reducing heavy dependence on imported educational materials.
The initiative was disclosed by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, during a factory inspection and stakeholder engagement with local manufacturers, including Nixin Paper Mill Nigeria and Speciality Group.
Enoh said the government is working on reforms under a broader industrial policy framework designed to address tax and import-duty imbalances that currently place local producers at a disadvantage compared to foreign imports.
Manufacturers at the meeting complained that while imported textbooks and educational materials often enter Nigeria without import duties, local producers are burdened with taxes on raw materials such as chemicals needed for production.
According to the minister, Nigeria loses an estimated ₦250 billion annually due to the continued importation of textbooks and printing materials that could be produced locally.
“It is inexcusable that local manufacturers cannot compete with imported goods, especially when we have the capacity to produce them here,” he said, adding that the imbalance has weakened domestic production.
He explained that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment would work with the Ministry of Finance and the economic coordination team to review tariffs and duty structures affecting the sector.
Enoh added that Nigeria must adopt a sector-by-sector approach to strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on imports, especially in areas where domestic capacity already exists.
Representatives of local firms, including Speciality Group, said they have operated in the sector for years but are struggling with high production costs, import pressure, and limited access to financing, forcing them to operate below capacity.
They also highlighted that despite having the capacity to meet national demand, local factories are unable to compete effectively due to cheaper imported alternatives and structural bottlenecks.
The Federal Government says the planned reforms are part of wider efforts to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, and conserve foreign exchange.