As global markets become increasingly competitive, Nigerian businesses are turning to quality management systems as a vital tool for improving efficiency, reducing waste, and winning customer trust. Analysts say quality management, once seen as a backroom compliance process, has now become a frontline strategy for corporate survival and growth.
Industry experts note that in a period marked by inflation, currency volatility, and rising operating costs, companies that embed strong quality management practices are better positioned to withstand shocks. By adopting internationally recognised standards such as ISO 9001, many firms are not only streamlining operations but also gaining access to international markets where certification is often a prerequisite for trade.
In the banking and financial services sector, quality management is increasingly tied to corporate governance and risk management.
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent directives on leadership succession and corporate governance highlight the broader shift toward institutionalising quality and accountability at every level of business.
Experts argue that Nigerian businesses can no longer afford to see quality management as a one-off certification process. Instead, it must become a culture embedded in day-to-day operations. This includes continuous employee training, monitoring of supply chains, customer feedback mechanisms, and regular system audits.
Global examples underscore the benefits. In Asia, companies that invested early in quality management frameworks — such as Toyota with its Total Quality Management (TQM) model — have gone on to dominate global markets. For Nigerian firms, adopting similar models could open doors to new export opportunities under agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
While progress is being made, challenges remain. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cite the cost of certification and training as barriers, while others lack the technical expertise to implement comprehensive quality management systems. Experts say government support in the form of tax incentives, training subsidies, and awareness campaigns could help bridge this gap.
Ultimately, industry watchers believe that for Nigeria to achieve sustainable industrial growth, quality management must be placed at the heart of business strategy.
If we want to compete globally, we must commit to producing goods and services that meet international standards. Quality is what drives trust, and trust is what drives growth.
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Quality Management Emerges as Key Driver of Business Competitiveness in Nigeria
As global markets become increasingly competitive, Nigerian businesses are turning to quality management systems as a vital tool for improving efficiency, reducing waste, and
