FAE, stakeholders call for revival of Nigeria’s paper industry

By Merit Ibe

Stakeholders have renewed calls for the revival of Nigeria’s paper industry, stressing its importance to economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

The appeal was made during activities marking World Envelope Day, where industry leaders emphasised the need for urgent government intervention to reposition the sector.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAE Limited, Princess ’Layo Bakare-Okeowo, urged the government to revitalise the nation’s postal system, noting that its decline has negatively impacted the paper industry. She argued that Nigerians should be allowed to choose their preferred mode of communication, rather than abandoning paper-based systems entirely in favour of digital alternatives.

“I am using this opportunity of World Envelope Day to plead with the  government to make our post office work. Let the Nigerian people judge where and how they want their communications to be. They shouldn’t kill the paper industries in Nigeria.”

Bakare-Okeowo also used the occasion to unveil Eco Fine, an environmentally friendly photocopier paper she described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

According to her, the product reflects growing global demand for sustainable solutions, offering high-quality output while remaining eco-conscious. She maintained that paper production could coexist with environmental preservation through responsible practices such as tree replacement and the use of alternative raw materials.

“The name speaks for itself-Eco Fine. It’s a copier papers and it does not jam. It brings out sharp colours. FAE Limited has brought Eco friendly into Nigeria. The first of its kind in this country,” she said.

Questioning the growing push for a paperless society, she insisted that paper remains relevant even in advanced economies where digitalisation is widespread but traditional postal services still function effectively. She warned that neglecting the paper industry could further weaken Nigeria’s already struggling manufacturing base.