The Federal Government has inaugurated a Textile Steering Committee tasked with developing a framework for the establishment of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board (CTGDB), as part of renewed efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s struggling textile industry.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Thursday, describing the initiative as a key component of the administration’s broader strategy to stimulate industrial growth, diversify the economy and create employment opportunities.
Akume, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, explained that the proposed board would serve as a coordinating body to strengthen Nigeria’s cotton, textile and garment value chain.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises the restoration of the sector as a major contributor to economic development and industrial transformation.
He noted that the decision to establish the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board was approved during the 149th meeting of the National Economic Council held on April 24, 2025.
Akume recalled that the cotton and textile industry was once a major pillar of Nigeria’s economy, providing employment for thousands of citizens, supporting rural livelihoods and contributing significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and export earnings.
However, he noted that the sector has experienced a prolonged decline due to several challenges, including falling production levels, inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent policies, limited access to finance, smuggling of finished textile products and stiff competition from imported materials.
The SGF therefore urged members of the committee to prioritise local content development and promote strong public-private partnerships while designing the institutional framework for the proposed board.
He also assured the committee of the Federal Government’s full support, expressing optimism that its recommendations would guide the successful establishment of the board and help reposition the industry.
The newly inaugurated committee is chaired by the Director overseeing the Office of Political and Economic Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Abia Bassey.
Its membership includes representatives from key industry stakeholders such as the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, the Apparel and Accessories Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the National Cotton Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Cotton Farmers Cooperative Society Limited.
Other organisations represented include the Textile Researchers Association of Nigeria, the New Nigeria Development Company, the Cotton Ginners Association of Nigeria, and the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum, as well as the Kaduna State Government.
Akume outlined the committee’s responsibilities to include reviewing resolutions of the National Economic Council relating to the proposed board, recommending funding sources and budgetary provisions, and proposing policies to support the board’s operations.
The committee will also determine the structure, functions and regulatory powers of the board before submitting a comprehensive report to President Tinubu for consideration and approval.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Coordinator of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum, Anibe Achimugu, described the development as a significant milestone in efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s industrial base.
He noted that the formation of the committee marks a transition from years of advocacy to concrete policy implementation aimed at reviving the textile sector.
Achimugu explained that the proposed board would provide an integrated institutional platform capable of coordinating policies, investments, incentives, standards and performance across the entire cotton, textile and garment value chain.
Industry stakeholders have long maintained that a coordinated institutional framework is essential to restoring Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry, which previously supported thousands of factories and jobs, particularly across several northern states.
The establishment of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board is therefore expected to play a critical role in rebuilding the sector, boosting domestic production and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported textile products.