Chisom Umejiaku
The Federal Government has announced plans to partner with private investors to breathe new life into Nigeria’s declining textile and garment industries.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, disclosed this on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja. He lamented that Nigeria’s textile sector, once a booming industry providing thousands of jobs, has faced years of neglect due to poor infrastructure, obsolete machinery, and inconsistent government policies.
“The government cannot do this alone. We are now working hand-in-hand with the private sector to rebuild the textile and garment industries. This partnership will create jobs, reduce imports, and grow our economy,” Enoh said.
The Minister’s comments come on the heels of a strategic tour of major textile facilities in Kaduna State, including the United Nigerian Textiles Limited (UNTL) and Chellco Industries, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. During the tour, Enoh engaged with industry leaders and assessed the current state of operations in what was once the heartbeat of Nigeria’s textile production.
He described the visit as a crucial step towards understanding the realities faced by local manufacturers and identifying the immediate interventions needed to revive the sector. According to Enoh, revitalizing textile hubs like Kaduna is central to the government’s economic diversification agenda.
READ ALSO: FG Eyes Infrastructure Boost Through PPP, Reaffirms Commitment to Private Sector
Enoh stressed that beyond creating employment, reviving the textile industry is essential for reducing Nigeria’s over-reliance on imported fabrics and boosting the “Made-in-Nigeria” brand globally.
Leaders of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association (NTMA), who attended both the Kaduna tour and Abuja meeting, expressed optimism that the renewed focus on public-private collaboration would address persistent issues such as smuggling, lack of steady electricity, and weak infrastructure.
Minister Enoh assured stakeholders that policy reforms are underway to provide incentives for private investors, streamline regulatory processes, and ensure a more business-friendly environment for textile operators.
Once a key player in Africa’s textile market, Nigeria’s industry has witnessed over two decades of decline. However, with strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and a commitment to policy stability, the Federal Government believes the sector can reclaim its position as a major contributor to national economic growth.