The widespread adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies has improved the quality of goods and services, enabling autonomous and dynamic manufacturing through digital solutions. Many businesses seek competitive advantage and internal capability enhancement through these technologies, but successful adoption requires a clear understanding of the barriers involved. In emerging economies, inadequate infrastructure, high costs, cybersecurity risks, and skills shortages hinder progress. In Nigeria, where manufacturing contributed 9.21% of the $244 billion GDP in 2024, these barriers slow industrial growth. To address this, the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) was launched in 2014 to drive industrialisation, foster innovation, and create jobs. Although I4.0 aligns with NIRP’s objectives and offers significant opportunities, progress has been limited. Addressing these barriers is essential to achieving Nigeria’s industrial ambitions. This study analyses the hierarchical relationship among challenges to I4.0 adoption in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Twelve implementation barriers were identified and grouped into four dimensions: management, government, resources/expertise, and technology. Findings reveal that resource and expertise constraints are the most critical challenge, followed by government, management, and technology-related issues. The proposed hierarchy of barriers can guide supply chain managers in effectively implementing and scaling digital technologies within their operations.

Keywords

Industry 4.0, digital technologies, supply chain digitisation, analytical hierarchical process (AHP).