Stakeholders in Nigeria’s ceramic industry have called for increased investment, innovation, stronger policy support and collaboration to transform the sector into a major driver of industrialisation, job creation and economic diversification.
The call was made at the Nigeria’s Ceramic Investment Summit and Product Exhibition 2026 (NCISPE 2026), where industry leaders, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs and development partners gathered to explore opportunities for accelerating growth across the ceramic value chain.
Speaking at the summit, Convener of NCISPE 2026 and 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.
According to him, 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.
He noted that the transformation of the industry would stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities, support entrepreneurship, attract investment, enhance technology transfer, strengthen local manufacturing and expand Nigeria’s export capacity.
“The opportunities before us are enormous, and the responsibility to seize them belongs to all of us,” Oaikhinan said. “The transformation of Nigeria’s ceramic industry cannot 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 added that the summit was designed as a platform where innovative ideas can be translated into viable investments and partnerships capable of driving sustainable growth in the sector.
The convener expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders would accelerate the development of Nigeria’s ceramic industry and position it as a significant contributor to the country’s economic diversification agenda.
While acknowledging the absence of some key government institutions at the summit, Oaikhinan stressed the need for greater engagement among stakeholders involved in mineral resource development, industrial policy, research and development, export promotion and local manufacturing.
He said future editions of the summit would continue to foster dialogue and partnerships aimed at unlocking opportunities across the ceramic ecosystem.
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.
Oaikhinan commended the organising committee, sponsors, exhibitors, researchers, investors and industry stakeholders for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s industrial future.
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.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for a globally competitive ceramic industry that will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development and industrial transformation,” he said
