Labour backs FG’s textile revival plan, says 650,000 jobs could return
By Victor Ahiuma-Young
Organised labour in the textile sector has pledged full support for the Federal Government’s renewed drive to revive Nigeria’s struggling cotton, textile and garment industry, following the unveiling of the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 and the approval of a Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board.
Under the aegis of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), the union commended the administration of Bola Tinubu for what it described as bold and strategic steps to accelerate industrialisation and restore the once-vibrant sector.
The union particularly hailed the decision of the National Economic Council (NEC) at its 149th meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, where the establishment of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board was approved.
In a statement signed by its President, Peters Godonu, and General Secretary, Ali Baba, the union described the proposed board — to be domiciled in the Presidency — as a landmark initiative signalling government’s commitment to addressing longstanding structural challenges in the sector.
“These bold and strategic initiatives represent far-reaching measures aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and revamping the once vibrant but now challenged textile and garment industry,” the union stated.
It noted that the new industrial policy provides a comprehensive framework for strengthening domestic manufacturing, promoting value addition and reducing dependence on imports.
Recalling the industry’s peak in the 1970s and 1980s, the union said Nigeria once had over 180 textile mills in operation, employing about 650,000 workers directly and supporting millions indirectly, including cotton farmers, traders and garment workers nationwide. Most of the factories, however, shut down due to policy inconsistencies and an unfavourable business environment.
Expressing optimism over the latest development, the union said the board aligns with the Federal Government’s economic revival agenda and reflects a determination to re-industrialise the country.
It also referenced remarks by Vice President Shettima at the NEC meeting, where he described the initiative as “a call to resuscitate a sector that once clothed the people and powered the nation’s economy,” adding that the goal was revival, empowerment and restoration of pride in local production.
The union said it expects the board to upgrade the textile value chain, improve labour productivity, maximise value addition and reposition Nigeria’s textile industry for global competitiveness.
However, it stressed that the board’s success would depend on transparency, inclusiveness and accountability, calling for adequate representation of organised labour and other critical stakeholders.
As an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress and IndustriALL Global Union, the union reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government and industry players to revive textile production, safeguard jobs and restore Nigeria’s standing in the global textile market.
Industry observers say the government’s decision has rekindled hope that the revival plan could restore up to 650,000 direct textile jobs and revitalise a sector that once stood as a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial economy.
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