Ahead of the maiden Nigeria Ceramic Investment Summit and Production Exhibition (NCISPE) 2026 in Lagos, the Chief Convener and Summit Director, Prof. Patrick Oaikhinan, has disclosed that Nigeria is on the verge of attracting multi-billion naira investments as foreign ceramic firms increase their interest in developing and revitalising the nation’s ceramic industry.
Speaking in an interview with CICAN, Prof. Oaikhinan, an internationally acclaimed ceramic engineer and academic, said the summit, scheduled to take place at NECA House, Lagos, from June 23 to 24, 2026, is expected to drive sustainable growth and position Nigeria as a key player in the global ceramic market.
According to him, Nigeria is endowed with some of the world’s finest ceramic mineral deposits, yet the sector remains largely untapped despite its vast economic potential.
CICAN is the official media partner for the inaugural edition of the summit themed: “Where Investment, Industry, Policy, and Talent Converge for Measurable Returns.”
Prof. Oaikhinan revealed that several leading international ceramic manufacturers and industry stakeholders have already expressed interest in participating in the event.
Expected attendees include representatives of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, research institutes, universities, and major global ceramic companies.
“I have contacted manufacturers in Italy, and I know they are coming,” he said.
“For instance, Systems Ceramics, the Association of Ceramics Equipment and Machinery Manufacturers of Italy, and several other ceramic manufacturing companies. We have also reached out to stakeholders in Portugal, Spain, Turkey, India, China, and Ghana.”
He noted that the summit would provide a platform for international experts and investors to work with local stakeholders in developing a practical roadmap for the transformation of Nigeria’s ceramic industry.
“Many Nigerians still associate ceramics with Fine Art, such as flower vases and sculptures,” he said.
“However, industrial ceramics play critical roles in construction, biomedical science, automobile manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, and power distribution. These are the areas where we should be focusing our attention.”
The summit director emphasised that exposure to international best practices and modern production technologies would enable local manufacturers to improve product quality and compete effectively in global markets.
“My objective is to bring manufacturers together to showcase their products so Nigerians can appreciate world-class ceramic standards and learn modern production methods,” he explained.
“We are also collaborating with institutions to develop the required workforce and strengthen partnerships with Nigerian universities.”
Prof. Oaikhinan further disclosed that three university vice-chancellors have confirmed their participation and will present papers on manpower development and skills acquisition for the industry.
“The first ceramic industry in Nigeria was established in Okigwe in 1951, but many of the factories became moribund by the 1980s due to a shortage of skilled manpower,” he noted.
“You cannot build a thriving ceramic industry without trained professionals. Just as a car cannot operate without a driver, industrial development cannot be sustained without the right skills. This is why workforce development remains one of the central pillars of the summit.”