The Federal Government estimates that Nigeria imports roughly $6 billion worth of clothing each year, a figure highlighted by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Olajumoke Oduwole during a press briefing in Abuja. Oduwole said the high level of imports reflects persistent challenges in the domestic textile sector, including weak infrastructure, widespread trade malpractices and a heavy reliance on smuggled goods that undermine local production.
According to the minister, more than 90 percent of fabrics commonly used in the Nigerian market – such as Ankara, lace and synthetic blends – are sourced from abroad. The prevalence of porous borders and illicit trafficking further depresses the competitiveness of home‑grown manufacturers, limiting the industry’s capacity to create jobs and generate foreign exchange.
The remarks were made while Oduwole inaugurated a new garment factory and unveiled a fresh clothing brand aimed at expanding Nigeria’s export footprint. She urged domestic producers to explore overseas markets and emphasized that the government will maintain policy support and investment to revitalise the sector. “Our goal is to increase local output, stimulate employment and contribute to overall economic growth,” she stated.
Omobolanle Olawale, founder of the Mo’Afrique fashion label, welcomed the launch, describing it as a milestone for the country’s garment industry. Olawale highlighted the factory’s modern equipment and the brand’s focus on quality as indicators of a broader commitment to developing Nigeria’s textile value chain.
The government’s concern over import dependence aligns with broader regional initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to boost intra‑African trade and reduce reliance on external markets. Earlier this year, the Federal Government released multilingual toolkits to assist Nigerian businesses in leveraging AfCFTA opportunities, underscoring a strategic shift toward export‑oriented growth.
Industry analysts note that addressing infrastructure deficits, strengthening customs enforcement and improving access to finance are critical to reversing the current import trend. While the $6 billion import bill underscores the scale of the challenge, officials remain optimistic that targeted interventions – including the new factory and export‑focused branding – will gradually shift the balance toward domestically produced apparel.
The development signals a concerted effort by the Federal Government to nurture a self‑sustaining textile industry, with implications for employment, trade balances and Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda.
