Nigeria’s paints and coatings industry is positioned for growth in 2025, driven by a construction boom, evolving consumer colour preferences and increasing demand for environmentally friendly products. The market, valued at around USD 2.7 billion this year (including wallpaper sales), according to German business data service Statista (1), is expected to expand as urbanisation and infrastructure spending continue, according to market researchers. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 3% in 2025. With an annual GDP per capita of just USD 1,596 for a population of 228 million, according to the World Bank, there remains substantial room for growth.

The market is dominated by decorative paints, which account for approximately 70–80% of sales. Protective and industrial coatings serve critical sectors such as oil and gas, infrastructure and marine applications. According to Indian-based market research and consulting firm Mordor Intelligence, Nigeria’s protective coatings segment is projected to grow by over 4% annually through 2029, outpacing the broader construction sector’s forecasted 3.1% annual growth from 2025 to 2027. Major projects such as the USD 6 billion Eko Atlantic development on Victoria Island, Lagos, and the USD 1 billion World Trade Centre in Abuja, a mixed-use development incorporating retail, residential, office and hospitality spaces, illustrate the scale of opportunity fuelling demand for high-performance coatings.

Leading domestic suppliers include Chemical and Allied Products (CAP) Plc, Berger Paints Nigeria, and Meyer Plc, which control much of the major branded market. Hundreds of small and midsize enterprises serve regional and niche markets. In 2021, CAP Plc merged with Portland Paints & Products Nigeria, becoming the country’s largest paint company by market capitalisation, still operating under the CAP Plc name. International brands such as Netherlands-based AkzoNobel and Pennsylvania, United States-based PPG Industries, have also expanded their presence in Nigeria, West Africa’s largest economy.

Manufacturers report that technological change is beginning to reshape the industry. “AI is becoming something that we cannot run away from,” said Omolade Igiebunu, co-founder of Pemjolad Paints and Chemicals Ltd, in Ogun State. She explained that digital tools now enable Nigerian customers to visualise paint colours in their homes and estimate required quantities, simplifying the buying process.

Consumer preferences are also evolving. “Most homes now go for white, but not just any white – warm white, silver white, different shades,” said Ms Igiebunu, adding that neutral and minimalist palettes are increasingly popular, with matte and water-based finishes gaining traction. Looking ahead, she expects water-based products to “be embraced a lot more” as consumers move towards sustainable choices.

Princes Faith Emeh, CEO of Gadep General Services Ltd, which manages paint production and distribution near Abuja, also highlighted strong demand for emulsion paints, primarily used for exteriors, compared with satin finishes preferred for interiors. The company’s production ratio reflects this, with emulsion drums outnumbering satin by nearly five to one.

Real estate developers have streamlined property acquisition and construction processes, making home ownership more accessible and driving demand for both new builds and renovations. Igiebunu noted that developers have become key customers, purchasing large volumes of paint for residential and commercial projects. She also pointed out that the rise in apartment rentals as an investment opportunity has created a consistent demand for paint, as landlords regularly maintain and upgrade properties.

She said construction is increasingly financed by Nigerians living and working abroad. New home and apartment projects are especially common in Lagos and Abuja, boosting sales of both decorative and protective coatings.

Environmental concerns are also influencing product development, with water-based paints and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) formulations gaining ground due to both regulatory compliance and growing consumer demand for safer, eco-friendly products. The government’s recent (March 2024) enforcement of a 90ppm lead limit in paints has accelerated the transition to greener alternatives, while NGOs and industry associations are advocating for sustainable manufacturing practices.

Despite this positive outlook, the sector faces significant challenges, especially rising raw material costs and foreign exchange volatility. Igiebunu described soaring prices for essential inputs – for example, the cost of calcium carbonate has increased from around NGN 800,000 (USD 500) to nearly NGN 5 million (USD 3,100) per truckload. Many manufacturers are now forced to purchase smaller quantities, which adds cost and complexity. Despite these pressures, she said companies are working to maintain product quality while keeping prices within reach for consumers.

Distributors are also facing difficulties. Emeh highlighted limited access to government support and funding, and called for more financial assistance and less stringent collateral requirements from development finance institutions such as Nigeria’s Bank of Industry.

This growing and dynamic industry will be showcased at the West Africa Coatings Show, scheduled for 2–4 July at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. This event is the only dedicated coatings trade exhibition in the region, and it will bring together manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to present new products and discuss trends in technology and regulation.

Looking ahead, analysts such as Mordor Intelligence expect Nigeria’s paints and coatings market to grow by about 4% annually over the next five years (2). For Igiebunu, the sector’s prospects depend on continued construction investment, product innovation, regulatory compliance, and the ability to manage supply chain and currency risks. The Naira has depreciated significantly, from NGN 656/USD 1 in June 2023 to NGN 1,605/USD 1 in May 2025.

“The paint industry is quite slow to change, but if we do not move fast, we’ll get stuck,” said Ms Igiebunu. “The world is moving very fast, and if we do not start to key in these things, we would get stuck where we are.”

Niger

In contrast to Nigeria, paint and coatings companies in smaller West African markets such as Niger (population 26 million, GDP per capita USD 642) must work harder to remain viable.

Abdoul Moumouni Ibrahim, managing director of Momentum Construction, a Niamey-based company specialising in paints, house construction, finishing work, and interior decoration, explained that logistical challenges with imports and exports are ongoing. Border closures have disrupted supply chains, making certain paints difficult to find or significantly more expensive. Freight has been rerouted through Togo, which has resulted in long delays: “More often than not, you have to wait months to get an item,” he said. Poor road conditions further compound the issue, damaging vehicles and increasing overall costs.

Prices have surged: some paints that cost XOF 5,000 (USD 8.54) in 2022 may now cost XOF 55,000 (USD 94) or even XOF 60,000 (USD 102). However, other price increases have been more moderate, such as from XOF 12,000 to XOF 15,000 or XOF 16,000.

Despite the difficulties, sustainability is gaining ground in Niger’s paint market. “It’s more ecological and economical,” said Ibrahim, referring to the growing popularity of water-based paints. The government is encouraging this shift through its National Strategy for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth (Niger 2035).

This could lead to future restrictions on lead in paints. A study conducted by Niger’s ministries of environment and public health in 2022–2023 found that 15 out of 49 paints sold in Niamey, Maradi, and Agadez contained lead (3).

Ghana

Ghana (population 33.7 million, GDP per capita USD 2,260) offers a more stable environment for the paints and coatings sector, which is also poised for strong growth. Urbanisation, infrastructure expansion, and a growing automotive industry are driving this trend. Statista estimates paint and wallpaper sales will reach USD 390.45 million in 2025 (4).

According to 6Wresearch, a market intelligence firm based in New Delhi, Ghana’s paint market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.8% from 2025 to 2031, fuelled by affordable housing initiatives and rising demand for decorative and industrial coatings (5). Key players include both international and local firms such as PPG Industries (USA), AkzoNobel (Netherlands), Plascon (South Africa), and BBC Industrials (Ghana).

As in Nigeria and Niger, there is a shift towards low-VOC and eco-friendly paints. Growing consumer demand for sustainable products is encouraging manufacturers to innovate. The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has supported this trend by cracking down on unapproved and illegal paints. George Kojo Anti, manager of the GSA’s special project unit, reported a high incidence of expired and unbranded paints being sold without proper labelling, posing health risks and undermining standards.

Ghana’s automotive sector is also a growth driver. Supported by the Ghana Automotive Development Policy, which aims to establish the country as a competitive industrial hub in West Africa (6), local vehicle assembly by firms like Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan, Suzuki, Kia, and Mahindra is increasing demand for automotive coatings. Additionally, with 100,000 used vehicles imported annually, refinishing coatings are in growing demand.

However, challenges remain. Luiz Carlos da Silva, business development manager at Coral Paints Ghana, highlighted issues such as volatile raw material costs, competition from substandard imports, and the prevalence of low-quality products. “State institutions must be more proactive,” he said, referring to the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency and the GSA.

By Samuel Okocha, Brah Souleymane, Kent Mensah