Nigeria’s printing and packaging sector is exploring technological upgrades to modernize operations, though adoption remains gradual due to cost and infrastructure hurdles, according to industry players.
In a press statement issued Tuesday, Randomsoft Limited confirmed it is “actively pursuing partnerships with international manufacturers to introduce advanced printing technologies to the Nigerian market.” The company did not provide specific performance claims about the new equipment.
At last month’s Lagos Packaging Expo, Technical Director Olakunle Ogunjobi told attendees: “The gap between Nigerian printing operations and global standards remains significant. Our focus is on practical, incremental improvements rather than overnight transformation.” His presentation slides, reviewed by this publication, showed basic comparisons of manual versus automated production speeds.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) released data showing packaging sector growth of 11% year-on-year in Q1 2025, though the report notes “most members still operate predominantly manual production lines.”
Also see: Dangote Refinery Pushes Ahead with Plans to Boost Production Capacity
Energy costs remain a key constraint. “Our generators consume 300 liters of diesel daily just to maintain operations,” said Adebola Johnson, production manager at a Lagos packaging firm, in an on-the-record factory tour attended by multiple media outlets last week.
Randomsoft announced plans for a training initiative later this year, but declined to comment on specific partnerships or curriculum details when pressed. “We’re in preliminary discussions with several technical institutes,” a company spokesperson said via email.
Industry analysts caution that modernization faces systemic barriers. “The average Nigerian printing firm operates on razor-thin margins,” said Dr. Femi Adelaja of the Lagos Business School during a recent public webinar. “Without financing solutions, technology adoption will remain limited to multinationals and top-tier local players.”
