Electric has urged Nigeria’s consumer packaged goods manufacturers to embrace sustainability strategies that align profitability with long-term resilience, warning that current market pressures are no excuse for environmental neglect.

The Country President of Schneider Electric, Ajibola Akindele, said that the misconception that financial performance and environmental responsibility are mutually exclusive has become widespread in Nigeria’s fast-moving CPG sector.

He maintained that both goals can be pursued concurrently through targeted innovation and investment.

“Three transformative trends are emerging as key enablers of this dual pursuit: electrification, digital transformation, and circularity,” the CEO said in a note shared with The PUNCH on Tuesday.

These trends, he said, are helping businesses not only withstand current market pressures but also position themselves for long-term growth and resilience.”

Akindele explained that Nigeria’s CPG industry, particularly the food and beverage segment, relies heavily on energy-intensive processes like boiling, frying, and baking, which are often powered by diesel generators.

He noted that electrification, as a strategic shift away from diesel, offers substantial benefits in efficiency and environmental impact.

However, transitioning from diesel-powered systems to electric alternatives presents major efficiency and sustainability gains.

The CEO explained that this shift requires a careful evaluation of infrastructure through electrical audits, as well as investment in solutions that ensure energy reliability like microgrids, solar hybrid systems, and power purchase agreements.

“These technologies are helping manufacturers cut costs, improve uptime, and reduce carbon emissions,” he said.

Schneider Electric recently hosted a CPG-focused partner event in Ghana to promote regional collaboration and innovation. The event brought together key stakeholders from across West Africa and featured cutting-edge technologies designed for the manufacturing sector.

Participants included Key Account Manager, CPG & MMM, Schneider Electric, Simeon Omughelli, and Marketing Manager, Schneider Electric, Omobolanle Omotayo.

Akindele added that digital transformation is the second key trend shaping the sector’s future, noting that intelligence and agility are now central to successful operations.

“Smart sensors, cloud-based platforms, and AI-driven analytics are enabling Nigerian manufacturers to gain real-time visibility across production, warehousing, and distribution.

“Yet, technology alone is insufficient. Companies that invest in process improvement and workforce upskilling are unlocking the true potential of digitalisation, improving product quality, reducing downtime, and boosting operational efficiency.”

He cited predictive maintenance and digital twin technologies as examples already making a difference for manufacturers in major hubs like Lagos, Aba, and Kano.

The third pillar, Akindele explained, is circularity, which is redefining how Nigerian manufacturers manage raw materials, packaging, and waste.

The CEO noted that manufacturers are increasingly adopting practices like ingredient optimisation, sustainable packaging made from local materials such as cassava starch, and repurposing off-spec products.

“EPR regulations from NESREA and LAWMA are now driving takeback and recycling efforts. Consumer research indicates a strong preference across a large majority of urban buyers for brands with visible sustainability commitments,” he said.

He emphasised that the industry is now at a crossroads and must make deliberate choices that blend environmental goals with business growth.

“Nigeria’s CPG sector is at a turning point. Electrification, digitalisation, and circularity are no longer buzzwords; they are competitive imperatives. Manufacturers that embrace this integrated approach will not only strengthen profitability but also future-proof their businesses in a values-driven market.”

Akindele said Schneider Electric is committed to supporting this transition in Nigeria. “From enabling smart factories in Agbara to advancing circular innovations in Ota, we are helping Nigerian CPG companies turn ambition into action and build a more sustainable, profitable future,” he added.