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By Lukman Olabiyi
Industry leaders and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s production and manufacturing sectors have called on entrepreneurs to shift their focus from the country’s economic challenges to the abundant opportunities within its business environment.
The call was made during the 2025 Production and Manufacturing Business Summit in Lagos, where prominent speakers emphasised the need for a mindset shift, innovation and proactive execution as essential tools for thriving in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara International, challenged the prevailing culture of negativity surrounding business in Nigeria. While acknowledging the difficulties, she urged entrepreneurs to avoid fixating on obstacles.
“Doing business here is tough, I won’t deny it. But, Nigeria shaped me into who I am today, and it can do the same for you. If all you focus on are hardships, that’s all you will see. We must choose to change the story,”Fela-Durotoye said.
She advised entrepreneurs to invest in skill development, foster trust in business relationships and prioritise sustainability through succession planning.
“Every business should be a talent incubator. Succession isn’t just about CEOs; every role needs a backup,” she added.
Summit convener and business coach, Nancy Nnadi, popularly known as The Money Boss, urged entrepreneurs to stop blaming government inefficiencies for their failures, stating that success lies in execution, not intention.
“Before blaming the government, ask yourself what you are doing with what you can control,” she said. “Many attend training and jot down ideas but never act. Results come from action.”
Nnadi highlighted the vast potential in Nigeria’s production and manufacturing ecosystem, pointing to agriculture, logistics, packaging and compliance as areas ripe for exploration.
She also called on entrepreneurs to adopt a production-driven mindset rather than a consumption-based one.
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“Production isn’t just about factories. It includes farming, supply chains, packaging and services. Diversify and structure your operations properly to unlock wealth. Your success depends on your mindset, speed, and execution,” she said.
Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, Clementina Uche Onyekwelu, CEO of Stuch Beddings and Pyjamas, described Nigeria’s population of over 200 million as an untapped goldmine.
She recounted starting her business with just ₦10,000 during her NYSC year, producing four bedsheets and growing her company to now employ over 60 staff.
She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to begin with available resources rather than waiting for large capital.
“Had I waited for large capital, this business wouldn’t exist. Start with what you have and grow,” she said.
Onyekwelu also urged a break from fear-driven cultural norms, which she said suppresses innovation and ambition.
“We are raised with fear, which stifles creativity. This generation must break those chains and be bold,” she said.
Toyin Onigbanjo, founder of August Secrets Limited, a local baby food company, advised entrepreneurs to focus on long-term impact rather than short-term profits. She shared that her business idea was borne out of her personal experience when her son rejected imported baby food.
“Ask yourself: am I building this business to feed my family or to create a legacy? Both require different levels of commitment,” she said.
Onigbanjo outlined five key growth pillars that have contributed to her brand’s success: brand uniqueness, operational efficiency, leadership culture, talent management and strategic partnerships. She emphasised the importance of hiring for both competence and character and viewing partnerships as value-driven collaborations.
“Collaboration isn’t about begging; it’s about mutual value. Every partnership must be a win-win,”she concluded.
