Abuja Furniture Production (AFP), the furniture-making subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has showcased its locally manufactured furniture at Design Week Lagos, highlighting the importance of domestic production, young design talent and business development in Nigeria’s furniture industry.
The exhibition provided a platform for AFP to display its products, engage with industry professionals and demonstrate how local manufacturing can contribute to job creation, skills development and reduced dependence on imported finished furniture.
Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week Lagos, commended AFP for its continued participation in the event and its efforts to integrate young designers into its production processes.
AFP Promotes Young Nigerian Designers
Ogufere noted that AFP had participated in the Made by Design exhibition for more than eight years, missing only one or two editions. She praised the company for supporting the platform and creating opportunities for young designers and creative professionals.
She explained that Design Week Lagos showcases Nigerian brands and encourages the development of local design talent. She also expressed hope that AFP would continue collaborating with the organisers to strengthen the Made-in-Nigeria brand and improve the visibility of locally manufactured products.
AFP’s General Manager, Oliver Cohnen, welcomed the recognition and commended the organisers for providing a platform where Nigerian furniture manufacturers can showcase products capable of competing with international alternatives.
AFP Shares Lessons for Manufacturing Businesses
During a panel discussion at the exhibition, Cohnen shared insights from his 20 years of experience in the furniture industry, offering advice to entrepreneurs interested in establishing or expanding manufacturing businesses.
He emphasised that business owners should understand their target markets and customers’ needs before investing heavily in machinery and production equipment.
According to Cohnen, successful manufacturing requires the right production capacity, an efficient factory layout, reliable suppliers and effective quality control. He also stressed the importance of training employees before expanding operations, noting that skilled workers play a critical role in manufacturing performance.
Jonathan Agwunobi, co-founder of TRT Arredo Limited and another panellist, highlighted the importance of standardising production processes to maintain consistent quality and improve efficiency as businesses grow.
Agwunobi advised manufacturers to concentrate on developing expertise in selected areas rather than pursuing every available commercial opportunity. He also encouraged businesses to use customer feedback and industry experience to improve their products and operations.
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Local Furniture Production Supports Domestic Value Creation
Visitors to AFP’s pavilion praised the quality, finishing and durability of its furniture, cabinetry and doors. An architect identified as Ina, who has worked with the company on several projects, noted that much of the manufacturing and assembly work takes place in Nigeria.
Although some components, including hinges, locking systems and certain upholstery fabrics, are imported, AFP’s local woodworking and timber-processing operations contribute to domestic value creation.
Local manufacturing can also support employment, develop technical skills and reduce reliance on imported finished goods. However, the continued need for some imported components highlights opportunities for further development within Nigeria’s manufacturing supply chain.
Mena Glory, a content creator and media professional who owns Silver Pinnacle Heritage, also praised the products on display, noting that customers are willing to pay for furniture that delivers quality.
AFP Showcases Locally Manufactured Furniture
At Design Week Lagos, AFP presented several products, including the Vienna centre table, made from solid timber and veneered medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and the Valerie Walsh shelf, produced using lacquered MDF panels.
The showcase highlighted opportunities for Nigerian furniture manufacturers to collaborate with designers, improve product quality and expand the visibility of locally produced goods.
AFP’s participation also contributed to broader conversations about the growth of Nigeria’s furniture industry, including the need for skilled workers, efficient production systems, customer-focused design and stronger local supply chains.
As Nigerian manufacturers seek to compete with imported products, investments in talent development, quality control and production efficiency remain important to building sustainable businesses and strengthening domestic manufacturing.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. The views and information presented reflect the reported developments and statements of the individuals and organisations mentioned.
