Abuja Furniture Production (AFP), the furniture-making subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has presented its locally manufactured products at Design Week Lagos, highlighting the contribution of domestic manufacturers to design development, job creation and the growth of Nigeria’s furniture industry.

During a visit to AFP’s pavilion, Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week Lagos, commended the company for involving young designers in its production activities and maintaining its participation in the annual exhibition.

Ogufere noted that AFP had participated in the Made by Design show for more than eight years, missing only one or two editions. She described the company’s continued involvement as significant to the development of the country’s furniture industry.

She said the exhibition provides a platform for exceptional Nigerian brands while creating opportunities for young designers and creative thinkers. Ogufere also expressed hope that AFP would continue collaborating with the organisers to strengthen the Made-in-Nigeria brand and improve the visibility of locally produced goods.

In response, AFP General Manager Oliver Cohnen thanked Ogufere for the recognition, praising her efforts in establishing a platform where Nigerian furniture manufacturers can display products capable of competing with international alternatives.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the exhibition, Cohnen shared advice for aspiring manufacturers, emphasising the need to understand target markets and customer requirements before investing heavily in machinery and production equipment.

Drawing on his 20 years of experience in the furniture industry, he identified production capacity, factory layout, dependable suppliers and effective quality control as important elements of successful manufacturing.

He also highlighted the need to train employees before expanding operations, noting that workers’ skills are central to manufacturing performance.

“For me, it is the people who make the difference, not the machines,” he said.

Jonathan Agwunobi, co-founder of TRT Arredo Limited and another panellist, stressed that standardised production processes help manufacturers improve efficiency and maintain consistent product quality as their businesses expand.

Agwunobi encouraged manufacturers to concentrate on developing expertise in selected areas rather than pursuing every commercial opportunity available to them. He also identified customer feedback and learning from other manufacturers as useful ways to improve production methods and products.

Visitors to AFP’s pavilion commended the quality of its furniture and highlighted the wider benefits of domestic manufacturing, including employment opportunities, skills development and reduced reliance on imported finished products.

Ina, an architect who has worked with AFP on several projects, said his experience with the company’s furniture, cabinetry and doors had been positive. He praised the finishing, attention to detail and durability of its products, noting that much of the manufacturing and assembly takes place in Nigeria.

Although some components, such as hinges, locking systems and certain upholstery fabrics, are imported, AFP’s local woodworking and timber-processing operations contribute to domestic value creation.

Mena Glory, a content creator and media professional who owns Silver Pinnacle Heritage, also praised the furniture on display. She observed that customers would be willing to pay for products that offer good quality.

Among the items exhibited by AFP were the Vienna centre table, manufactured using solid timber and veneered medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and the Valerie Walsh shelf, made from lacquered MDF panels.

AFP’s participation in Design Week Lagos highlights the role of local furniture manufacturers in promoting Nigerian-made products, supporting collaboration with designers and strengthening the industry’s competitiveness. The discussions at the exhibition also underscored the importance of skilled workers, quality production and understanding customer needs in building successful manufacturing businesses.

Source: MSME Africa Online