Lagos Government Reaffirms Support for Local Printing Industry, Partners Stakeholders to Drive Growth

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the local printing industry through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and policy interventions. The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, made this known at a seminar organised by the Printing, Publishing, and Allied Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), held recently in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme “Nigeria’s Printing Industry: Unlocking Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges,” Omotoso described the printing sector as one of the oldest and most significant components of Nigeria’s creative economy. He highlighted the Lagos State Government’s recognition of the industry’s potential and reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and creative industry growth as part of his THEMES Plus Agenda.

In his remarks, the President of LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, called for a strategic repositioning of the printing industry as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s creative and manufacturing economy. He advocated for innovative policies, human capital development, and sustainability measures to ensure the sector’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

Chairman of the Printing, Publishing, and Allied Group at LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Okonkwo, underscored the vast potential of Africa’s printing industry, valued at approximately $10 billion, with Nigeria contributing between $800 million and $1 billion annually. He emphasized that collaboration between stakeholders is key to promoting local production, fostering innovation, and driving investment in the printing ecosystem.

The seminar also featured a panel session titled “Unlocking Nigeria’s Printing and Publishing Potential: Policy Pathways and Financial Solutions,” which brought together experts from the private sector, academia, and financial institutions. Discussants called for the removal of financial barriers, revision of tariff structures for raw materials, and the adoption of a “Nigeria First Policy” to stimulate local production and protect indigenous content. Stakeholders collectively agreed that coordinated efforts between government, industry players, and financial institutions are essential to repositioning the printing industry as a driver of economic growth and job creation.