Business leaders at the 2025 Production and Manufacturing Business Summit have challenged Nigerian entrepreneurs to replace negative narratives with action, stressing that execution and innovation — not constant lamentation — remain the true drivers of growth.
The summit, held in Lagos under the theme “Moving from Consumption to Production,” brought together top industry voices who emphasized that dwelling on challenges weakens investor confidence and hinders progress.
Delivering the keynote address, Tara Fela-Durutoye, founder of House of Tara International, acknowledged the realities of operating in Nigeria but warned against allowing obstacles to dominate every business conversation.
“Doing business here is tough, I won’t deny that. But Nigeria made me who I am today, and it can make you too,” she said. “If all you ever dwell on is hardship, that’s all you will ever see. We must choose to change the story.”
She highlighted infrastructure gaps, inconsistent policies, and staffing issues as recurring hurdles but insisted that entrepreneurs must focus on opportunities and solutions. According to her, how business leaders talk about Nigeria can either attract growth or repel it.
Summit convener and business coach, Nancy Nnadi, reinforced this mindset, urging entrepreneurs to stop blaming government for every challenge.
“Execution is where success lies. Many people attend training and write down brilliant ideas but never implement them. Results only come when you act,” she said.
Nnadi explained that opportunities in the production and manufacturing value chain extend beyond factories, covering farming, raw materials, packaging, logistics, and compliance. She urged participants to move away from Nigeria’s consumption-driven culture.
“It is not the government’s duty to run your production line. Your success depends on your mindset, your speed, and your execution. The day you stop waiting and start acting is the day your business will grow,” she declared.
Other speakers echoed the call for resilience and innovation. Clementina Oyekwelu, CEO of Stuch Beddings and Pyjamas, described Nigeria’s large population as a ready market for entrepreneurs.
“Even serving just 0.5 per cent of the Nigerian market can make you a household name. If foreign investors can pay millions to rent warehouses here, it shows there is business in this country,” she noted.
She shared her journey of starting a business with ₦10,000 during her NYSC year, producing just four bedsheets. A decade later, her company now employs over 60 people.
“The power of starting small but thinking big is real. If I had waited for large capital, this company would not exist today,” she advised.
Similarly, Toyin Onigbanjo, founder of August Secrets Limited, encouraged entrepreneurs to build sustainable legacies rather than chase quick profits.
“My business started because my son rejected imported baby foods, so I created African-made alternatives. You must ask yourself: am I building this business just to feed my family or to create a legacy? Both require different levels of commitment,” she explained.
The summit concluded with a resounding message: Nigerian entrepreneurs must take charge of their narratives, seize opportunities across multiple sectors, and build businesses that endure.
