Julius Berger’s furniture production subsidiary, AFP, has received commendation for integrating young designers into its manufacturing processes, with Design Week Lagos founder Titi Ogufere describing the initiative as a sustainable way to develop local talent and strengthen Nigeria’s furniture industry.
Ogufere gave the commendation during a visit to AFP’s pavilion at the ongoing Design Week Lagos (DWL) Expo. She praised the company’s consistent participation in the annual design exhibition and its commitment to promoting emerging designers and locally manufactured products.
According to her, AFP’s approach to engaging young creatives aligns with Design Week Lagos’ mission to promote Nigerian design talent, encourage innovation and build a stronger Made-in-Nigeria brand.
She also expressed optimism that the company would continue collaborating with the event as stakeholders work to expand opportunities for Nigerian designers and manufacturers.
Design Week Lagos Founder Commends AFP’s Commitment
Ogufere noted that AFP has maintained a strong presence at Design Week Lagos for more than eight years, missing only one or two editions during that period.
“I would like to say AFP has been with us in the Made by Design show for eight years now. Since we started, they’ve been consistent. They’ve missed only, I think, only one or two,” she said.
She explained that the Made by Design exhibition showcases leading Nigerian brands whose products demonstrate quality craftsmanship, creativity and the capacity to compete in the wider market.
Ogufere particularly welcomed AFP’s decision to integrate young designers into its operations, noting that developing emerging talent remains central to the objectives of Design Week Lagos.
“What we do with Design Week, the Made by Design show, is we curate the very best brands in Nigeria, and you can see from the craftsmanship of AFP that these are one of the foremost companies,” she said.
She added that the company’s engagement with young designers reflects the event’s commitment to promoting the next generation of creative professionals.
The Design Week Lagos founder expressed hope that AFP would sustain its participation and continue contributing to efforts to position Nigerian-made products as competitive alternatives in local and international markets.
AFP Highlights the Importance of Local Manufacturing
Responding to the commendation, AFP General Manager Oliver Cohnen thanked Ogufere for recognising the company’s contribution to the furniture industry.
He also praised her initiative in establishing an annual platform that showcases Nigerian furniture brands and demonstrates their ability to deliver products comparable to international standards.
Cohnen said AFP would continue building on its manufacturing experience and the expertise of its workforce to improve product quality and expand its capabilities.
“At AFP, we are doing what we know best and with the right hands we have engaged, we will do better,” he said.
His remarks reinforced the importance of skilled personnel, local expertise and sustained investment in strengthening Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing sector.
AFP General Manager Shares Lessons on Furniture Manufacturing
During a panel session at the event, Cohnen joined four other industry professionals to discuss furniture production, manufacturing efficiency and the challenges of establishing a successful production business.
Drawing on his 20 years of industry experience, he advised prospective manufacturers to understand their target markets and customer requirements before investing heavily in machinery.
He explained that purchasing expensive equipment without a clear understanding of demand could create unnecessary financial pressure for a new business.
According to him, successful manufacturing requires careful planning, appropriate production capacity, an efficient factory layout and reliable suppliers.
He also emphasised the importance of quality control and proper workforce training before businesses expand their operations.
“For me, it is the people who make the difference, not the machines,” Cohnen said.
His contribution highlighted the role of human expertise in achieving consistent product quality, improving productivity and building sustainable manufacturing operations.
The advice also underscored the need for furniture businesses to balance investments in technology with the development of skilled workers who can operate equipment and maintain production standards.
TRT Arredo Co-Founder Advocates Standardised Production
Jonathan Agwunobi, co-founder of TRT Arredo Ltd, also shared insights into improving efficiency and consistency in furniture manufacturing.
He explained that his company had prioritised the development of standardised production processes, including the establishment of a dedicated design department.
Agwunobi said the company deliberately focused on areas where it could develop specialised expertise rather than pursue every available commercial opportunity.
According to him, concentrating on selected projects allowed the business to improve its output, strengthen its capabilities and learn from customer feedback.
He also revealed that a visit to a manufacturing company in Italy provided valuable lessons that his business subsequently adapted to its own operations.
Agwunobi stressed that standardisation becomes increasingly important as manufacturing businesses expand. Consistent procedures, he explained, help companies maintain quality, improve efficiency and reduce variations in their products.
His observations reinforced the importance of combining design expertise, effective production systems and strategic business decisions to build competitive manufacturing enterprises.
Customers Praise AFP’s Furniture Quality and Craftsmanship
Visitors to AFP’s pavilion also commended the quality of its furniture, cabinetry and doors, highlighting the value of locally manufactured products in residential and commercial projects.
An architect identified as Ina, who has worked with AFP on several projects, described his experience with the company as positive.
He explained that his collaboration with AFP had involved submitting original designs for production as well as adapting projects to fit the company’s existing product range.
“I’ve had no complaints,” he said, praising the products’ neat finishing, attention to detail and durability.
Ina also highlighted the contribution of local manufacturing to Nigeria’s economy, noting that much of AFP’s production work takes place within the country.
Although some components, including hinges, locking systems and certain upholstery fabrics, are imported, he said most of the assembly and woodworking activities are carried out locally.
He also pointed to the company’s timber-processing operations, including the seasoning of wood before production, as an example of how local manufacturing adds value to raw materials.
According to him, these activities help reduce dependence on imported finished furniture while supporting domestic production and technical expertise.
However, he acknowledged that the limited local availability of some specialised components continues to create a need for imports.
Content Creator Praises AFP’s Product Quality
Mena Glory, a content creator and media professional who owns Silver Pinnacle Heritage, also expressed admiration for the furniture displayed at the exhibition.
Glory described the products as impressive and emphasised the importance of quality when making purchasing decisions.
“The furniture, they are quality. And paying for quality will not be a problem,” Glory said.
The feedback from visitors highlighted the importance of product durability, craftsmanship and finishing in attracting customers to locally manufactured furniture.
It also reflected the potential for Nigerian furniture producers to build stronger consumer confidence by delivering quality products that meet the requirements of residential and commercial buyers.
Beyond product sales, a stronger domestic furniture industry can support employment, encourage skills development and create opportunities for designers, artisans, suppliers and other professionals across the value chain.
AFP Showcases New Furniture Designs at Design Week Lagos
AFP’s participation in Design Week Lagos also provided an opportunity to showcase new products and engage with designers, architects, customers and other industry professionals.
Among the products on display were the Vienna centre table, made from solid timber and veneered medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and the Valerie Walsh shelf, manufactured using lacquered MDF panels.
The products demonstrated the range of materials and finishes used in contemporary furniture design, while highlighting the role of local manufacturing in translating creative ideas into finished products.
The exhibition also created opportunities for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas about production methods, emerging design talent and the future of Nigerian furniture manufacturing.
For AFP, the engagement reflects the value of combining established manufacturing expertise with fresh creative perspectives.
As Nigerian furniture brands seek to strengthen their market positions, initiatives that connect young designers with established manufacturers could help bridge the gap between creative development and commercial production.
Through its continued participation in Design Week Lagos, AFP is contributing to conversations about local craftsmanship, workforce development and the growth of a competitive Made-in-Nigeria furniture industry.
