INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR ADVANCING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined industrial development strategies for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, focusing on the effects of manufacturing value-added, infrastructure development, and technology and innovation adoption on national SDG attainment. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and employed a closed-ended, structured questionnaires distributed to 175 respondents comprising managers and directors of manufacturing firms as well as relevant government and agency officials. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, percentages) and regression analysis to test the study’s hypotheses. Findings revealed that manufacturing value-added significantly influenced SDG advancement, with regression results showing a beta coefficient of 0.742 (p = 0.000), indicating that increases in industrial output strongly predicted improvements in economic growth, employment, and poverty-reduction indicators. Similarly, infrastructure development demonstrated a strong positive effect on SDG progress, with Beta = 0.768 (p = 0.000) and R² = 0.590, confirming that reliable electricity, transport networks, and industrial facilities enhanced productivity and investment. Furthermore, technology and innovation adoption exhibited a substantial positive impact on SDG attainment, with Beta = 0.786 (p = 0.000) and R² = 0.618, suggesting that modernization, innovation, and digital solutions improved efficiency, transparency, and sustainability across sectors. The study concluded that the integration of manufacturing growth, infrastructural improvements, and technological innovation is critical for accelerating Nigeria’s progress toward the SDGs. Policy implications include the need for targeted industrial incentives, strategic infrastructural investment, and the promotion of technology adoption to strengthen economic, social, and environmental outcomes.