The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has declared that the country’s growing local production of polypropylene—led by the Dangote Refinery—could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s textile and garment industries.
Speaking at a recent industry forum, MAN Director General Segun Kadir-Ajayi said the addition of 900,000 metric tons of polypropylene from the Dangote plant is expected to significantly reduce import dependence, lower production costs, and enhance competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.
“With Dangote polypropylene entering the market, we expect local prices to drop, just as we saw in the petroleum sector,” said Kadir-Ajayi. “This development will create domestic competition, drive down costs, and support the revival of Nigeria’s textile and garment industries.”
Nigeria currently imports about 90% of its polypropylene needs, placing it 28th among global importers. In 2024 alone, the country imported polypropylene worth ₦230.97 billion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Kadir-Ajayi explained that the country’s annual demand for polypropylene stands at around 250,000 metric tons. With the addition of production from the Dangote Refinery—alongside contributions from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Indorama—Nigeria is set to become a net exporter of the versatile material.
“This shift reduces our dependence on foreign exchange for raw materials and aligns with global trends where textiles increasingly rely on petrochemical industries,” he said. “It’s a major win for local manufacturers.”
Polypropylene is used across multiple sectors—from packaging and automotive to textiles and medical equipment—thanks to its flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. In the textile industry, it is a key input for synthetic fibers used in both fabrics and industrial applications.
Kadir-Ajayi urged the federal government to further support manufacturers through incentives to boost investment, increase local capacity, and strengthen the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP.
He emphasized that increased local production of polypropylene not only promises to restore Nigeria’s textile industry but also offers a pathway to job creation, greater export earnings, and the realization of Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition.
