Nigeria’s Cotton/Textile Industry Revival: A New Beginning
In a significant move to revitalize the moribund cotton/textile industry, the Federal Government of Nigeria has collaborated with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). The partnership aims to create over 1.4 million jobs annually in the sector, a key component of the country’s industrialization drive.
The government met with ICAC at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima chairing the meeting. Discussions centered on developing key components of the cotton value chain, including farming, weaving, ginning, and linking of cotton. The target is to create a roadmap for the revitalization of the cotton/textile sector in Nigeria.
The Vice President assured that the Tinubu administration will make conscious efforts to ensure the country harnesses opportunities in the cotton value chain, including regaining its ICAC membership. He thanked the delegation for the visit and acknowledged ICAC’s commitment to the development of the sector in Africa.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed excitement at the possibility of reviving the cotton and textile sector, with a focus on job creation and economic transformation. He pledged the state’s readiness to offtake cotton produced in other parts of the country for companies based within the area.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma viewed the meeting as a new beginning in Nigeria’s quest for industrial recovery and job creation. He emphasized the need for a new partnership to revamp the cotton/textile sector and create jobs for the people.
The partnership between the Federal Government and ICAC marks a significant step towards reviving Nigeria’s cotton/textile industry, which has the potential to create millions of jobs and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
