By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has inaugurated a Steering Committee tasked with developing the framework for the establishment of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board (CTGDB), a move aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s cotton, textile, and garment (CTG) sector and boosting economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In an official signed statement, Dewan Goshit, Head of Information & Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), disclosed that the inauguration took place in Abuja with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, CON, leading the event. The SGF explained that establishing the CTGDB is a strategic step in line with the administration’s goals of economic diversification, job creation, and industrial revival.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, restoring the Cotton, Textile and Garment sector to its rightful place as a driver of economic growth and industrial transformation remains a key priority. The need to establish the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board was deliberated upon at the 149th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on 24th April, 2025,” he said.
Represented at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, the SGF highlighted the sector’s historical importance to the Nigerian economy, noting its role in supporting rural livelihoods, employing thousands, contributing to GDP, and generating export earnings. He also acknowledged the challenges that have hindered the sector, including declining production, inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent policies, limited access to finance, smuggling of finished products, and competition from imported textiles.
The SGF urged the Committee to prioritise local content, promote public-private partnerships, and assured that the government stands ready to implement recommendations that will restore the sector.
The Steering Committee, chaired by Mr. Abia Ifiok Bassey, Director Overseeing the Office of Political and Economic Affairs at OSGF, includes representatives from the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association (NTMA), Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), Apparel and Accessories Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (AAMAN), National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), Nigerian Cotton Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd (NCFCS Ltd), Textile Researchers Association of Nigeria (TRAN), New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), Cotton Ginners Association of Nigeria (CGAN), Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum (CTGDF), and Kaduna State.
The Committee’s Terms of Reference include reviewing NEC decisions on the Board, proposing revenue sources and budgetary frameworks, recommending supportive policies, determining the Board’s composition, functions, and regulatory powers, and preparing a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations for submission to the President.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Coordinator of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum (CTGDF), Anibe Achimugu, described the event as historic, marking a shift “from advocacy to implementation, from intention to delivery, and from aspiration to measurable national impact.” He explained that the CTGDB will serve as an integrated platform to coordinate policy, investment, incentives, standards, and performance across the entire CTG value chain, positioning Nigeria to regain leadership in the sector and drive sustainable industrial growth.
