FG moves to revive textile industry after cotton output collapse

The Federal Government says it is stepping up efforts to revive Nigeria’s struggling cotton, textile and garment industry after cotton production dropped sharply from about 200,000 metric tonnes in 2001 to nearly 10,000 metric tonnes in 2025.

Speaking at the National Cotton, Textile and Garment Value Chain Activation Pilot Milestone Event, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, said the renewed drive could create about 1.5 million jobs and strengthen local manufacturing.

Enoh said the sector, once a major employer of labour, had weakened over the years because of poor coordination, neglect and reliance on imported materials.

He noted that a pilot programme had shown that locally grown cotton could be processed into finished garments within six to seven months.

According to him, the initiative produced 10,000 made-in-Nigeria T-shirts from locally sourced cotton, demonstrating the country’s production potential.

“The initiative has proven that Nigeria can produce garments at better quality, better pricing and in larger quantities than imported alternatives,” he said.

The minister added that the government was now focused on implementation rather than discussions.

“What you have seen today is not a concept note or policy proposal. It is proof that these things are possible and are already happening,” Enoh stated.

He said plans were underway to expand support for cotton farmers, improve access to finance and strengthen market connections for local producers. He added that the Bank of Agriculture had expressed readiness to fund smallholder cotton farmers.