The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has warned that skills shortages and inadequate workforce development could undermine Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

Urging the Federal Government and private sector to prioritise human capital development, the institute said Nigeria’s ability to compete globally and expand local production depends on the quality, productivity, and technical capabilities of its workforce, not its abundant natural resources.

The CIPM President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ahmed Ladan Gobir, stated this at the institute’s second-half 2026 Advocacy Roundtable, themed: ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Critical Role of Human Capital in Driving Made in Nigeria Growth.’

Gobir said Nigeria’s economic challenge was not a lack of natural resources or talent but its failure to develop and effectively harness the capabilities of its people.

Comparing Nigeria with Singapore, he noted that countries with fewer natural advantages had achieved stronger economic outcomes by investing deliberately in skills, institutions, human capital and enterprise.

“Before we insist on what is Made-in-Nigeria, are we investing sufficiently in those who must make it?” he asked.

He added that Nigeria could not build a globally competitive economy with an underdeveloped workforce or treat human capital development as an afterthought.

The CIPM president called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia and professional institutions to close skills gaps, improve productivity and strengthen indigenous businesses.

Representing the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, said workforce development was essential to reducing dependence on imported goods and expanding domestic manufacturing.

He said the government was aligning skills development with manufacturers’ needs while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through institutions such as the Industrial Training Fund and the Bank of Industry.

He said the government should pay greater attention to agricultural processing, digital skills, and technical competencies that meet domestic demand and support manufacturing growth.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Patrick Ajah, called for stronger partnerships between industries and educational institutions to improve graduates’ employability and address the country’s skills deficit.

Ajah urged policymakers to align curricula with industry needs and expand opportunities for students and lecturers to gain practical workplace experience.

He said large organisations could help bridge the gap by providing access to facilities, equipment and industry-relevant training.

He also identified employee welfare, competitive remuneration, succession planning and continuous professional development as key to improving productivity and building sustainable businesses.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sam & Sara Ventures Limited, Mrs Folake Oyemade, said the success of the Made-in-Nigeria campaign would depend substantially on the quality and affordability of locally manufactured products.

She maintained that Nigerian consumers would patronise domestic products when manufacturers delivered competitive quality and pricing.

Similarly, the General Manager, Human Resources and General Services of BUA Foods Plc, Ayuba Gadzama, representing Dotun Adako, advocated increased investment in technology, entrepreneurship and workforce reskilling, particularly in artificial intelligence.

He said businesses needed to equip workers with emerging skills to remain competitive as technology continued to reshape production and employment.

Gadzama also called for sustained public awareness campaigns and stronger cooperation among employers, educational institutions and government to build consumer confidence in locally manufactured goods.