Nigerian manufacturers are grappling with a growing inventory of unsold goods, with a backlog valued at N2.12 trillion in 2025, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said today. The figure comes amid a sharp contraction in consumer spending, which the association attributes to shrinking consumer wallets.
Despite the mounting surplus, the sector has recorded a record investment of N4.54 trillion over the same period. MAN officials say the investment reflects continued confidence in the manufacturing base, even as demand has faltered.
MAN highlighted that the unsold goods represent a significant challenge for producers, who now face higher storage costs and potential write‑downs. The association called for measures to boost consumer confidence and stimulate demand.
Analysts note that the disparity between investment and sales points to a mismatch between production capacity and market absorption. They warn that prolonged inventory build‑ups could erode profit margins and strain supply chains.
For now, Nigerian manufacturers remain in a precarious position, balancing record capital inflows with a shrinking domestic market that is leaving a sizeable portion of their output on the shelf.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
