Nigeria loses N250bn annually to foreign book printing – Olowodola

n n

Lagos – Nigeria loses an estimated N250 billion each year to foreign printing of books, a development that Mr. Layi Olowodola, Executive Director of Operations and Planning at Goshen Printmedia Limited, says must be reversed through increased investment in the local printing sector.

n

Speaking at an event in Lagos, Olowodola, an internationally certified printer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), highlighted the economic potential of Nigeria’s printing industry.

n

“The printing industry commanded almost $180 billion globally in 2025 and employs millions of people. Yet, Nigerian printing companies continue to lose substantial volumes of work to foreign printers,” he said, stressing the need for government and private sector support.

n

Olowodola, also a member of the Society of Printing Practitioners of Nigeria (SSPN), noted that the industry has evolved significantly since Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. He cited advancements in digitalization, artificial intelligence integration, new production materials, and sustainability measures as drivers of global growth.

n

He highlighted key areas of innovation, including large-format advertising, packaging, security printing, flexography, web offset printing, and the use of AI for workflow management, quality control, and waste reduction. Olowodola also pointed to technological improvements such as 3D printing, UV inks for security purposes, QR code integration, and energy-efficient, recyclable materials.

n

“Printing has advanced from paper and ink to sophisticated systems capable of meeting diverse market needs, including customized and short-run jobs with sharper images and better colors,” he said.

n

Olowodola urged Nigerians and businesses to patronize local printers to strengthen the domestic industry, enhance national development, and capitalize on the growing global demand for printing services.

n

“This is a call to stop playing catch-up. With proper investment and adoption of evolving technologies, Nigeria’s printing industry can compete globally while creating jobs and contributing significantly to the economy,” he added.

n n