By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has restated its firm commitment to reviving Nigeria’s textile industry, citing its potential to drive job creation, boost economic diversification, and contribute significantly to sustainable national development.
This was made known by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, when he received a delegation from the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum (CTGDF) led by its Coordinator, Chief (Dr) Anibe Achimugu, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
In a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Senator Akume described the textile industry as a key pillar in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its economy and enhance its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“This administration understands that the textile industry is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, and that is why it decided to constitute a board to ensure the revitalisation of the industry. The reactivation of this crucial sector will create job opportunities and drive industrialisation,” Akume stated.
He further affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to provide a conducive environment for businesses and talent to flourish across sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and creative industries.
Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum, Chief (Dr) Anibe Achimugu, expressed appreciation to the SGF for his unwavering support, which he said played a decisive role in the recent approval of the establishment of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board (CTGDB). The approval was granted by the National Economic Council (NEC) at its 149th meeting held on April 24, 2025, and chaired by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
Dr. Achimugu noted that the CTG value chain presents one of the most viable avenues for inclusive economic growth in Nigeria. “The CTG value chain offers one of Nigeria’s best opportunities for inclusive economic growth—creating millions of jobs, revitalising rural communities, boosting non-oil exports, and reducing our over $5 billion annual dependence on imported textiles,” he said.
He added that the Forum is fully committed to collaborating with the Federal Government to reposition the CTG sector as a central component of the country’s economic diversification drive, with the capacity to generate over two million jobs, conserve foreign exchange, and make substantial contributions to the national GDP.
