The textile industry in Nigeria, once -thriving, is now on the verge of complete collapse despite multiple attempts to revive it. This sector, which previously played a vital role in the economy and provided significant employment opportunities, is currently facing difficulties and ineffective intervention measures.
Several efforts have been made by the Nigerian government in recent years to revitalize the textile sector. These include providing financial assistance, imposing limits on imported textiles, and offering incentives for domestic manufacturing. Despite these actions, the outcomes have been largely unsuccessful, resulting in the closure of numerous factories and the unemployment of thousands of workers.
Industry experts cite multiple factors contributing to the industry’s decline. High operational costs, driven by unreliable electricity supply and expensive raw materials, have rendered local textile production uncompetitive. Additionally, smuggling and the influx of cheaper imported textiles have severely undermined the market for locally produced goods.
“The situation is dire,” said Segun Awolowo, President of the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association (NTMA). “Our industry cannot compete with the cheap imports flooding the market, and the promised government support has not materialized in the effective manner we needed.”
A key government intervention, the Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) Policy, aimed to rejuvenate the entire value chain from cotton farming to garment production. However, inadequate implementation and corruption have hindered its success. Many industry stakeholders feel that the policy, while well-intentioned, has not translated into tangible benefits for manufacturers.
“The CTG policy was supposed to be our lifeline,” remarked Aisha Bello, a textile factory owner in Kaduna. “But we are still grappling with the same old issues—high costs, lack of infrastructure, and unfair competition from imports.”
The collapse of the textile industry has broader economic implications, particularly in terms of employment. At its peak, the sector employed over 500,000 Nigerians. Today, only a fraction of those jobs remain, exacerbating the country’s unemployment crisis.
Local communities that once thrived on textile manufacturing are now suffering. “Our town used to buzz with activity from the textile mills,” lamented Abubakar Usman, a former textile worker. “Now, the factories are silent, and many families are struggling to survive.”
Efforts to attract foreign investment into the sector have also been unsuccessful. Potential investors are deterred by the challenging business environment, including regulatory bottlenecks and security concerns in key manufacturing regions.
“The investment climate in Nigeria is not conducive to reviving the textile industry,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization. “We need to address the fundamental issues of infrastructure, policy consistency, and market fairness to attract serious investment.”
As the industry teeters on the edge of collapse, urgent action is needed to salvage what remains. Industry leaders are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of government policies, better enforcement of import restrictions, and substantial investment in infrastructure and capacity building.
“The future of Nigeria’s textile industry depends on decisive action,” stated Awolowo. “We need a coordinated effort from all stakeholders—government, private sector, and international partners—to turn the tide and restore this vital industry.”
With the global textile market projected to grow, there is potential for Nigeria to reclaim its place as a major player. However, this will require a concerted and sustained effort to address the deep-rooted challenges facing the sector.
As Nigeria’s textile industry faces an uncertain future, the call for effective and immediate intervention grows louder. The survival of this once-flourishing industry hinges on the country’s ability to implement real, impactful changes and revive a sector that has long been a cornerstone of its economy.
