The Print Trends in Nigeria are changing fast. See how digital tools, eco materials, and small orders are shaping the future.
Back in 2009, I helped a friend design wedding souvenirs for her brother. We walked from shop to shop in Abuja, looking for a print shop that could deliver something fine but not too expensive. Most shops were still using old printing machines, and the designs looked like they were from the 90s. But just last month, that same friend needed branded food boxes for her small chops business. She ordered everything from her phone, the print shop sent her a sample design on WhatsApp, she approved it, and they delivered the boxes in two days. Things have really changed.
Printing in Nigeria is now more than just banners and wedding cards. Small business owners, churches, event planners, and even food sellers now use printing for packaging, branding, and marketing. If you want to start a printing business or you’re just trying to know what people are printing nowadays, this post will help.
Print Trends in Nigeria: What’s Changing?
Printing in Nigeria is no longer the way it used to be. Many things are changing fast, and both small businesses and big companies are doing things differently now.
One clear change is that people no longer print in large numbers like before. These days, many just print small quantities when they need them. This helps save money and avoid waste. It also works well for people running small businesses who need things like flyers, stickers, and product labels.
Another thing that is changing is the kind of materials people use for printing. Many printers now offer recycled paper and less harmful inks. This is because more Nigerians are thinking about how to protect the environment.
Digital printing is now very popular. It is cheaper and faster, especially when you’re not printing in bulk. It is perfect for things like wedding cards, banners, books, T-shirts, and souvenirs. Because of this, many young people are now starting printing businesses with just a laptop and printer.
Also, printing is moving online. You no longer need to visit a printing shop before placing an order. There are websites where you can design your work and place your order from your phone. This saves time and makes everything easier.
The printing business in Nigeria is growing in a new direction. People want fast service, better quality, good prices, and printing that does not harm the environment. Anyone running a printing business or thinking of starting one should follow these new ways to stay ahead.
7 printing trends that are popular in Nigeria
Here are the top 7 printing trends that are popular in Nigeria today.
1. Digital Printing is Now More Common
Digital printing is now more used than the old method of printing (offset printing). It’s faster, better for small jobs, and the print quality is very sharp. These days, people don’t want to print 1,000 flyers. They just need maybe 100 good ones for a program or promo.
You can send the work from your phone or laptop. The print shop will print and deliver in one or two days. This is helping a lot of small business owners.
2. People Want Their Own Names and Pictures on Things
Many Nigerians now want to personalise items. Things like birthday shirts, mugs, throw pillows, jotters, calendars – even pens. Instead of using general gifts, people now like to add their name, picture, or event title on the items.
This trend is growing fast. These personalised items are popular for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, and even office parties. Print shops that do this are making steady money.
3. People Only Print When Someone Orders
This method is called print-on-demand. You don’t print plenty at once. You only print when someone pays for it. Many people selling clothes or gifts on Instagram or WhatsApp are doing it like this.
For example, someone can sell T-shirts with Bible verses. When you pay, they send your size and design to the printer. The printer prints and sends it to you. This saves money and helps small sellers act like big brands.
4. Packaging is Now Fine and Branded
Before, people used plain white boxes or black nylon for their business. Now, even akara sellers and food vendors use printed packaging. Nice boxes, wraps, stickers, and bags with name and logo are now very common.
People are printing packaging for:
- Food sellers
- Hair and skincare products
- Cakes and pastries
- Event souvenirs
- Clothes and shoes
If your packaging looks good, customers will take you more seriously and may come back again.
5. Events Still Need Printing Work
No Nigerian party or event is complete without printing. From invitation cards to stickers, event programs to backdrops, people love to print for their events.
But things are changing. People now want:
- Photo backdrops
- Stickers for the dance floor
- Custom gift bags
- Matching clothes or caps for guests
Even small events like naming ceremonies or housewarmings now involve printing. If you are into printing or design, this is an area that brings constant work.
6. Easy Design Tools Are Helping People
Before, you had to pay a graphic designer to make your flyer or label. Now, people are using free tools like Canva to make simple designs. Then they send it to a print shop.
This makes printing easier and cheaper. Print shops also use these tools to make ready-made templates for customers.
If you run a print shop and you don’t offer basic design or sample templates, you may lose customers.
7. Some People Are Now Thinking of the Environment
This trend is still new, but some Nigerians are now choosing materials that are not harmful to the environment. Things like paper bags instead of nylon. Some printers are also using better ink that is not too harsh.
Some customers ask for packaging made with “brown paper” or something that looks natural. It’s not common yet, but more people will start asking for it with time.
Print Trends in Nigeria: What People Are Printing Most in 2025
Let’s look at what people are printing a lot this year:
- Business cards
- Flyers (for online or hand sharing)
- Product stickers and labels
- Branded food boxes and packs
- T-shirts and polos
- Event souvenirs like jotters and mugs
- Wedding cards
These items are now part of everyday life for many small business owners.
How Printing is Helping Small Business Owners
Printing helps small businesses look serious and professional. When your packaging is neat and your flyers are clear, people trust you more.
It also helps you get more customers. A good-looking food box or sticker can bring in more orders, especially when you post it online.
If you sell anything, even from your house, printing can make your brand look better without spending too much.
Where Printing is Going in Nigeria
Printing is not going away. It will keep changing. Print shops that keep up with trends, deliver fast, and allow customers to order online will grow quickly.
We will also start seeing:
- More use of local languages in printing
- QR codes on flyers and packaging
- Fancy finishing like lamination and gold letters
Print shops that learn these things now will have an advantage later.
FAQs About Print Trends in Nigeria
1. What are some printing business ideas in Nigeria?
There are many good printing business ideas in Nigeria. You can print wedding cards, banners, T-shirts, books, business cards, stickers, or even branded nylon bags. Small businesses also need packaging labels and thank-you cards. You can start small and grow as you get more customers.
2. How can I start a printing business in Nigeria?
To start a printing business, you need a small printer, a laptop, and good design software. First, learn basic graphic design. Then choose what to print — like flyers or shirts. Start with small jobs, promote your work online, and slowly add more equipment as your business grows.
3. Where can I find the best print shops in Lagos?
Some top print shops in Lagos include Printivo, Instant Print, and Print Magic. These shops offer good quality, fast delivery, and online ordering. You can also check local printing shops around Ikeja, Yaba, or Surulere for affordable and reliable services.
4. Who supplies branded packaging in Nigeria?
There are many companies that supply branded packaging in Nigeria. Some popular ones include Pack ‘N’ Pay, Brandpack, and Carton Box Nigeria. They make custom boxes, paper bags, stickers, and food packaging for small businesses.
5. Can I start a printing business from home?
Yes, you can start a small printing business from home. You only need a printer, a computer, and internet access. You can design and print things like birthday invites, stickers, and flyers. With time, you can grow and open a small shop.
Last Words…
If you are running a print shop or you plan to start one, this is a good time. Focus on neat work, fast delivery, and good customer service.
If you are selling anything online or offline, don’t play with your branding. Even a small sticker or a branded nylon can make a big difference in how people see your business.
Print trends in Nigeria has moved from just ink and paper. Now, it’s about helping people and businesses look serious and stand out.
What printing work do you need this month?