Unveiling the Hidden Potential: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Significance of Ceramics in Nigeriaa

Abstract: This paper examines the often-overlooked significance of ceramics and clay in Nigeria through a convergent mixed-methods design combining a structured literature review, stakeholder interviews, secondary trade data, and a retailer survey. It maps ceramic applications in construction, automotive systems, electronics, healthcare, households, and artisanal production; evaluates the implications of import dependence for domestic value creation; and identifies priorities for industrial renewal. Existing evidence confirms that Nigeria possesses a substantial clay-resource and craft base but faces persistent constraints in technology, skills, standards, finance, and market competitiveness. The study therefore frames ceramics as both a cultural resource and an industrial-materials platform. It recommends coordinated investment in production technology, quality assurance, research-industry collaboration, workforce development, and evidence-based trade and industrial policy.

Keywords: ceramics; clay; industrialisation; import dependence; advanced ceramics; Nigeria.

How to Cite This Article

APA (7th Edition)

Sale, G. O. (2026). Unveiling the Hidden Potential: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Significance of Ceramics in Nigeria. Niger Delta Journal of Sustainable Development, 1(1), 81-104.

MLA (9th Edition)

Sale, G. O. “Unveiling the Hidden Potential: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Significance of Ceramics in Nigeria.” Niger Delta Journal of Sustainable Development, vol. 1, no. 1, 2026, pp. 81–104.

Chicago (Author-Date)

Sale, G. O. 2026. “Unveiling the Hidden Potential: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Significance of Ceramics in Nigeria.” Niger Delta Journal of Sustainable Development 1 (1): 81–104.

Harvard

Sale, G.O. (2026) ‘Unveiling the hidden potential: A mixed-methods study of the significance of ceramics in Nigeria’, Niger Delta Journal of Sustainable Development, 1(1), pp. 81–104.

IEEE

G. O. Sale, “Unveiling the hidden potential: A mixed-methods study of the significance of ceramics in Nigeria,” Niger Delta Journal of Sustainable Development, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 81–104, 2026.

License

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

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