Digital Transformation and Sustainable Manufacturing: Exploring Industry 4.0 Adoption in Nigeria

The transition to sustainability-oriented production is gaining momentum globally as manufacturers seek to balance operational efficiency with environmental sustainability goals. Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT, AI, automation, and real-time monitoring offer promising tools to drive this transformation. While significant research exists on the technical implementation of these technologies, limited attention has been given to their direct impact on environmentally responsible production practices, particularly within emerging industrial contexts. This study investigates the adoption of sustainability-oriented production in Nigerian manufacturing firms under the influence of Industry 4.0. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 professionals across selected firms to examine levels of awareness, existing sustainable practices, and key enablers and barriers to digital-driven sustainability. Using regression analysis, the study explores the relationship between awareness of Industry 4.0 technologies, perceived drivers, and the level of sustainable practices implemented. The findings reveal a moderate but uneven level of adoption, influenced significantly by awareness of digital technologies and organizational readiness. Comparisons with global evidence suggest that while advanced economies tend to integrate digital technologies as a core pathway to sustainability, firms in emerging economies adopt them primarily for productivity, with sustainability often as an additional benefit. Barriers such as limited infrastructure, policy uncertainty, and digital skill gaps were identified as constraints. These insights provide empirical evidence to support policy and industry efforts aimed at strengthening the role of smart technologies in advancing sustainability within Sub-Saharan manufacturing environments.