On moves to revive the cotton and textile industry

2026-03-19 - 00:23

Recently, the Federal Government took a bold step towards resuscitating Nigeria’s moribund textile industry with the inauguration of the Cotton, Textile and Garment, CTG, Development Board. The aim is to stimulate industry growth, diversify the economy and create job opportunities across the country. Government’s decision to revive this once glorious industry is a welcome development that could have far-reaching implications for the country’s economy. Once a vibrant sector that provided livelihoods for millions and drove manufacturing growth, it has for decades languished under the weight of poor policy implementation, smuggling, power shortages and stiff competition from cheaper imports. At its peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, the industry stood as one of the pillars of the country’s economy, employed hundreds of thousands of workers and supported cotton farmers across several Northern states such as Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Zamfara. Textile factories hummed with activity and Nigerian-made fabrics were widely patronised locally and internationally. Today, however, only a handful remain operational, while many cotton farmers have abandoned the crop due to poor returns and lack of market access. The revival initiative, if well executed, could stimulate rural economies by encouraging farmers to return to cotton cultivation, thereby creating significant employment opportunities along the agricultural value chain, from planting and harvesting to processing, spinning, weaving and garment manufacturing, particularly among youth. Again, the textile industry also offers strong prospects for industrial diversification, as Nigeria has long relied heavily on crude oil revenues, leaving the economy vulnerable to external shocks. Reviving cotton production and textile manufacturing would help strengthen the non-oil sector, boost exports and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fabrics and garments that currently drain valuable foreign exchange. However, the success of the newly inaugurated board will depend largely on its ability to address the structural challenges currently crippling the industry. First, there must be a deliberate effort to support cotton farmers through improved seedlings, access to credit and guaranteed off-take arrangements with textile manufacturers. Without a steady supply of quality cotton, textile mills cannot operate efficiently. Also, government must tackle the persistent problem of smuggling and the influx of cheap textiles that undermine local production. Countries like China have gained strong control over Nigeria’s textile market with about 80 per cent of its textiles. China’s success is premised on a mix of price advantages, industrial strength and weaknesses within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, which has allowed it to flood the market with cheap substandard textiles, including two of our treasured cultural prides: Adire and Aso-Oke. Stronger border enforcement and clear trade policies are necessary to protect domestic manufacturers while they regain competitiveness. Again, electricity must be addressed as the industry is energy-intensive. The industry will also require close collaboration with private investors, state governments, farmers’ associations, and financial institutions.