FG Moves to Revive Textile Industry, Targets 1.4m Jobs Through Value Chain Reset

Senator John Enoh fielding questions from members of the media on the sidelines of the event on Thursday in Abuja 

"The initiative is transitioning into a new phase designed to integrate more stakeholders and address long-standing structural gaps within the sector." Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment.

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to revive Nigeria’s ailing cotton, textile and garment (CTG) industry, unveiling a structured value chain programme aimed at boosting local production, creating jobs and strengthening industrial competitiveness.

Speaking at the CTG Value Chain Activation milestone event held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, said the initiative is transitioning into a new phase designed to integrate more stakeholders and address long-standing structural gaps within the sector.

Enoh explained that the pilot phase of the programme, which involved three participants, was strictly diagnostic and not selective. According to him, the exercise provided critical insights into “where the chain works, where it breaks, and what must change to make it function at scale.”

He noted that Phase II would expand participation and focus on building stronger linkages across the value chain, stressing the need for coordination among producers, manufacturers, and distributors.

“We need to understand what you require from the stages that precede you, and what you can reliably supply to the stages that follow,” he said. “The goal is to move from isolated operations to one integrated system that works efficiently.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described the initiative as a critical step toward Nigeria’s industrial revival and economic transformation.

He recalled that the textile industry once served as a major pillar of the nation’s economy, providing jobs, supporting agriculture, and driving manufacturing growth, but lamented its years of decline.

“This event represents both a symbolic and practical commitment to rebuilding Nigeria’s industrial capacity,” Isokpunwu said, adding that the initiative seeks to bridge policy with implementation, finance with production, and industry with markets.

According to him, the revitalisation of the CTG sector holds significant economic promise, including the potential to generate over 1.4 million jobs annually, particularly for women and youths.

He further noted that strengthening the value chain would reduce dependence on imports, promote inclusive industrialisation, and position Nigeria as a competitive player under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

The Permanent Secretary commended key partners supporting the initiative, including the Bank of Industry, African Finance Corporation, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and Wema Bank, alongside industry stakeholders.

He urged participants to move beyond discussions and commit to actionable solutions that will address challenges identified during the pilot phase, emphasizing that sustainable industrial growth depends on collaboration and effective implementation.

Reaffirming government’s commitment, Isokpunwu said the ministry would continue to promote policies that support local enterprises, improve ease of doing business, and drive measurable industrial outcomes in line with the administration’s “Nigeria First” agenda.

The CTG Value Chain Activation Initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for restoring investor confidence, expanding domestic production, and repositioning Nigeria as a major textile manufacturing hub in Africa.