Don’t kill paper industries, FG warned

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAE Limited, Princess ‘Layo Bakare-Okeowo, has warned the Federal Government against policies that could undermine Nigeria’s paper and postal industries amid the growing push for a paperless economy. Speaking at the World Envelope Day celebration in Lagos, Bakare-Okeowo delivered a strong keynote address in which she stressed […]

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAE Limited, Princess ‘Layo Bakare-Okeowo, has warned the Federal Government against policies that could undermine Nigeria’s paper and postal industries amid the growing push for a paperless economy.

Speaking at the World Envelope Day celebration in Lagos, Bakare-Okeowo delivered a strong keynote address in which she stressed that paper remains central to Nigeria’s economic development and should not be sacrificed on the altar of digitalisation.

“Paper is still key to Nigeria’s economic development in all ramifications. It is a gold mine,” she said, cautioning that the adoption of digital systems must not come at the expense of existing industries and institutions.

She expressed concern over what she described as an aggressive push toward digital-only communication, warning that such an approach, if not balanced, could weaken critical sectors of the economy.

“Government should not allow the Nigerian Post Office to die a natural death,” she said, adding, “Despite the introduction of digital paper, the postal system still has a role to play in national development.”

Bakare-Okeowo noted that the increasing reliance on emails, instant messaging, and electronic documentation has significantly reduced patronage of traditional postal services, raising fears about the long-term survival of the Nigerian Postal Service.

According to her, “One of the most immediate implications of digital paper introduction is the dwindling relevance of traditional postal services. If left unchecked, this shift could render the institution obsolete.”

She warned that such a development would not only lead to job losses but also eliminate a vital public service that millions of Nigerians still depend on.

Highlighting the social implications, she pointed out that a large segment of the population—particularly retirees and those in rural or underserved communities—continue to rely on physical mail due to limited access to reliable digital infrastructure.

“In many areas where digital infrastructure remains weak or unreliable, a fully paperless system could deepen inequality and limit access to essential services,” she said.

Bakare-Okeowo therefore urged policymakers to allow Nigerians to determine their preferred mode of communication.

“It is time for Nigerians to judge whether they want their communications to be in traditional paper form or digitalised. Government should not kill the paper industry simply because of digitalisation,” she added.

She further argued that advanced economies have demonstrated that digital and physical communication can coexist effectively.

“Developed economies in Europe and North America have successfully integrated digital technologies without abandoning their postal systems. Physical mail continues to coexist with digital communication, proving that a hybrid model is both practical and sustainable,” she said.

On environmental concerns often cited in support of paperless policies, Bakare-Okeowo said, “While reducing paper consumption can help conserve forests, sustainable paper production practices—such as reforestation and the use of fast-growing plant species—can mitigate environmental impact. The ‘cut one tree, plant five’ approach shows that industrial activity and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand.”

The FAE boss also lamented the decline of Nigeria’s paper industry, noting that the country now relies heavily on imports due to the collapse of local mills.

“Nigeria’s paper industry, once vibrant, has significantly declined over the years. With only a handful of operational mills, we now depend heavily on imports. This drains foreign exchange and undermines local industrial capacity,” she said.

Drawing comparisons with other countries, she added: “Countries like Egypt, with a smaller population, have a far more robust paper manufacturing sector. This underscores the untapped potential in Nigeria and the urgent need for policy intervention.”

She warned that the shift toward digital systems, if not carefully managed, could further discourage investment in local paper production.

“Reduced demand for physical paper could lead to further closures of mills and loss of technical expertise,” she noted.

Despite these challenges, Bakare-Okeowo maintained that the industry remains highly profitable.

“With the international price of paper reaching significant levels, the industry presents a lucrative opportunity for Nigeria to generate revenue and expand exports,” she said, reiterating her description of the sector as a “gold mine.”

She also highlighted innovation within the industry, pointing to eco-friendly products such as the newly launched Eco Fine photocopier paper.

“The development of eco-friendly paper products shows that the sector is adapting to global sustainability standards. By embracing greener production methods, Nigerian manufacturers can remain competitive,” she added.

Speaking further, she emphasised that the survival of the Nigerian Postal Service is closely linked to broader economic activities.

“Beyond mail delivery, postal services can support e-commerce, logistics, and financial inclusion initiatives. Revitalising the institution could position it as a key player in Nigeria’s digital economy rather than a casualty of it,” she said.

Bakare-Okeowo called for consistent government policies and increased investment in infrastructure, including the modernisation of postal services and revitalisation of paper mills.