Quote from Idris on May 15, 2026, 8:23 am

The Federal Government has launched the National Cotton, Textile, and Garment (CTG) Industrial Transformation Programme, aiming to create 1.5 million jobs within the next three years. The initiative is designed to revitalize Nigeria’s once-thriving textile mills, which have been largely dormant due to power shortages and the influx of cheap foreign imports.

Under this new strategy, the government is providing a N500 billion intervention fund to be managed by the Bank of Industry. This capital will be used to upgrade machinery, subsidize electricity for textile hubs in Kaduna and Kano, and provide high-yield cotton seeds to farmers. The goal is to create an integrated value chain that reduces the need for imported fabrics.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, John Owan Enoh, stated that the pilot phase of the programme has already demonstrated the ability to transform locally grown cotton into high-quality garments for export. He noted that Nigeria’s competitive advantage lies in its large labor force and its proximity to European and American markets through the AGOA trade agreement.

Industry stakeholders have cautiously welcomed the news, noting that previous attempts at revival failed due to poor implementation. They are calling for strict enforcement of the “Executive Order 003,” which mandates government agencies to prioritize locally made uniforms and textiles. If successful, this revival could serve as a model for other struggling manufacturing sub-sectors.

https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/nigeria-targets-1-5-million-jobs-through-textile-industry-revival/#google_vignette