Dr. Kevin Chukwumobi, the CEO of Apams Funeral Ltd, has called for greater recognition of the potential of Nigeria’s funeral industry. He believes it has the capacity to create over one million jobs annually if properly developed.
Speaking during a media interview to mark his 54th birthday, Chukwumobi discussed the industry’s growth, its challenges, and the misconceptions Nigerians hold about funerals. He also shared his vision for how the sector could grow to rival those in developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Chukwumobi acknowledged that Nigeria’s funeral industry is still in its infancy compared to global standards. In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, the funeral industry is a multi-billion dollar business.
“The funeral services industry in the U.S. is worth $20 billion, and in the U.K., it is valued at £3 billion. These countries have large multinational companies in the sector. The largest funeral company in the U.S. is worth over $10 billion, while in the U.K., the biggest is valued at £283 million. Nigeria, however, is still far behind in this regard,” Chukwumobi explained.
While Nigeria’s funeral industry is not as large, Chukwumobi believes it has significant room for growth. He pointed out that cultural and religious beliefs in Nigeria sometimes hold back the industry, but there is increasing awareness of the value funeral services offer.
One of the biggest hurdles the funeral industry faces in Nigeria, according to Chukwumobi, is the negative perception many Nigerians have about it. He noted that the industry is often seen as being driven by superstition, which has discouraged many professionals from entering the field.
“It is shocking that in the 21st century, people still believe that the funeral industry is controlled by superstition rather than innovation. This perception has stopped talented professionals from joining the industry,” he said.
To counter these misconceptions, Apams Funeral Ltd has worked to reposition itself as a modern, professional company. Chukwumobi shared how the company has attracted young Nigerians and offered them competitive salaries comparable to those in other industries.
“We have positioned Apams as a corporate organization, and we operate in almost every southern state of Nigeria, with offices in Abuja, Lagos, and our headquarters in Onitsha. Our goal is to show that the funeral industry is a legitimate, valuable sector that can employ a lot of people,” he said.
Chukwumobi stressed that Nigeria’s funeral industry could become a major source of employment. He estimated that the sector has the potential to provide over one million jobs annually, both directly and indirectly. This, he said, would be a significant boost to Nigeria’s struggling economy.
“Funerals drive a wide range of economic activities, including catering, event planning, photography, textile production, hospitality, and even printing. These services all create jobs. I believe the funeral industry could easily provide over one million jobs annually,” he emphasized.
According to Chukwumobi, innovation is key to the growth of the funeral industry in Nigeria. He believes that practitioners in the industry must continuously innovate to keep up with global standards and to meet the expectations of their clients.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Chukwumobi said. “Some African countries, like South Africa, have made great progress in the funeral industry. In Nigeria, we need to do the same by adopting more modern and innovative approaches.”
He added that the more people appreciate the value of funeral services, the more the industry will grow. As society becomes more educated and civilised, Chukwumobi believes Nigerians will begin to see the funeral industry as a professional sector, not something driven by superstition or taboo.
Chukwumobi addressed the criticism that funerals in Nigeria, particularly in some parts of the country, have become overly expensive and extravagant. Some have argued that families often neglect their loved ones while they are alive but spend lavishly on their burials.
He rejected this view, explaining that in most cases, families that spend heavily on burials have already taken care of their loved ones during their lifetime. The large expenses at funerals are often a way of celebrating the life and legacy of the deceased.
“In some cultures, burials have become an industry that even drives tourism. Take Igboland, for example—burials there drive a lot of economic activities. People are not just spending money for the sake of it; they are honoring their loved ones and, at the same time, contributing to the local economy,” he said.
He also pointed out that there are always options for less expensive funerals, just as there are budget options for weddings, clothing, and education. The key, he said, is for people to choose what they can afford without pressure from societal expectations.
