Abuja: The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviving Nigeria’s Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) industry as part of efforts to drive industrial growth, create jobs and reduce dependence on imports. Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, highlighted this initiative at the National CTG Value Chain Activation Pilot Milestone Event.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Enoh emphasized that the initiative aims to establish an integrated cotton-to-garment production system that aligns with Nigeria’s industrialization goals. He noted that Nigeria has the capacity to produce competitive garments locally, catering to its large population without compromising on quality or standards.
The minister stated that the pilot phase of the CTG initiative demonstrated the feasibility of growing high-quality cotton locally and processing it into finished garments competitively. He added that the initiative has shown that Nigeria can produce garments with better quality, better pricing, and larger quantities than imported alternatives.
Enoh pointed out that the government is moving from policy discussions to practical implementation, describing the initiative as a ‘proof of concept’ for local industrial revival. He noted that the pilot project identified major structural gaps within the value chain, especially poor coordination among cotton farmers, textile manufacturers, and garment producers. He stressed that previous interventions failed due to a lack of an integrated production chain.
The government plans to scale up the programme by strengthening market linkages, improving financing structures, and supporting smallholder cotton farmers. Enoh revealed that the Bank of Agriculture is ready to begin financing cotton production, particularly for smallholder farmers across the country.
Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, described the event as a strategic step toward reviving Nigeria’s textile industry and advancing economic transformation. He stated that the CTG initiative would support economic diversification, reduce import dependence, and create over 1.4 million jobs annually across the value chain. The programme is expected to strengthen linkages between agriculture, manufacturing, and export markets, positioning Nigeria to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Isokpunwu commended development partners and stakeholders supporting the initiative, including the Bank of Industry (BOA), African Finance Corporation, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, and Wema Bank. He urged stakeholders to transition from discussions to practical actions that would foster sustainable industrial growth and competitiveness.
Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, Managing Director of BOA, reiterated the bank’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to support the initiative’s realization. Mrs. Olymuyiwa Ajayi-Ade, Director, Industrial Development Department at the ministry, highlighted the event as a demonstration of stakeholders’ shared commitment to move beyond policy conversations to coordinated implementation and measurable industrial outcomes.