The Federal Government has unveiled a renewed strategy to revive Nigeria’s Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) industry, with projections that the sector could generate more than 1.5 million jobs and strengthen the country’s industrial and export capacity.
The initiative, under the National Cotton, Textile and Garment Industrial Transformation Programme (NCTG-ITP), was showcased during the Phase I Showcase and Stakeholder Working Session held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the pilot phase of the programme had demonstrated Nigeria’s ability to transform locally grown cotton into globally competitive garments within six to seven months.
According to a statement signed by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head of Press and Public Relations, the Minister described the programme as a practical implementation of the Nigerian Industrial Policy aimed at rebuilding the once-thriving textile industry, reducing dependence on imports and driving inclusive economic growth.
Enoh noted that Nigeria already possesses the production capacity, skilled manpower and market potential needed to reposition the sector as a major contributor to national development.
“Our biggest challenge has not been finance or infrastructure alone, but coordination across the value chain,” he said.
He added that the government is developing stronger policy support for farmers, manufacturers and investors through partnerships with institutions such as the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture.
Also speaking, Chris Osa, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to promote industrial revitalisation, economic diversification and employment generation.
He said the CTG sector holds enormous potential for job creation, particularly for women and youths, while also improving Nigeria’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Olumuyiwa Ajayi, Director of Industrial Development, explained that the new framework is intended to attract investment, deepen local value chains and create opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises through technology adoption, skills development and improved market access.
Providing an overview of the pilot project, Eme Bassey, Special Adviser on CTG to the Honourable Minister, disclosed that the six-month initiative successfully produced 10,000 made-in-Nigeria T-shirts using locally sourced cotton.
He said the achievement proves that Nigerian factories can manufacture high-quality garments at prices competitive with imported products.
Development partners and financial institutions also expressed support for the initiative. Ayo Shotirin, Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses and farmers across the CTG value chain.
Similarly, Philbert Johnson of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization said Nigeria’s industrial transformation remains achievable through stronger collaboration, sustained policy support and strategic investment partnerships.
