From Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The leadership of the Textile Union has praised the Federal Government’s recent launch of the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 and the approval of establishing the Cotton Textile and Garment Development Board.
They describe these initiatives as “bold and strategic measures aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s industrial growth and revitalizing the once vibrant but now challenged textile and garment industry.”
In a statement signed by Peters Godonu, President, and Ali Baba, General Secretary, the union expressed enthusiasm for the renewed effort and determination by the current administration to revive the sector.
They noted that the creation of the Cotton Textile and Garment Development Board is “timely, commendable, and a landmark initiative that will help to revitalize the country’s struggling textile industry and boost local manufacturing.”
The union recalled that Nigeria once had Africa’s largest textile industry, with over 180 textile mills in operation, employing hundreds of thousands of people directly and indirectly.
However, most factories have ceased operations due to a lack of an enabling environment and inconsistent government policies.
The statement highlighted that the new Industrial Policy offers a comprehensive framework to strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote value addition, and reduce dependence on imports.
It also noted that the Cotton Textile and Garment Development Board will facilitate regular upgrades to the textile value chains, improve labor productivity, and maximize value addition.
The union stressed the importance of transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in ensuring the success of the Board.
They called for the representation of organized labor and other key stakeholders on the Board to ensure the initiative meets its goals.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the union’s willingness to collaborate with the government and industry stakeholders to enable the Cotton Textile and Garment Development Board to fulfill its objectives of reviving textile production, safeguarding jobs, and restoring Nigeria’s role as a major player in the global textile market.
