Towards restoring the lost glory of Nigeria’s Cotton, Textile, and Garment (CTG) Sector, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, on Tuesday held a town hall meeting with the CTG stakeholders.
The meeting, which was held in Abuja, addressed the sector's status and outlined a restoration
plan.
Dr. Anite’s, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director (Information and Public Relations) of the Ministry, Adebayo Thomas, emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need to revitalise the sector.
Lamenting the CTG sector’s decline, she harped on collective efforts to ensure its resurgence.
Giving the backdrop of the meeting, the statement said it was "the Nigerian government’s commitment to economic
diversification and job creation. With a focus on agricultural revolution and value addition, the CTG sector emerged as a linchpin."
Dr. Anite highlighted its transformative potential: the ability to rejuvenate Nigeria’s rural economy, breathe life into textile and garment industries,
and generate millions of jobs.
The multifaceted benefits were clear: "Economic Growth: A thriving CTG sector would bolster internal revenue across federal, state, and local levels.
"Cost Reduction: By producing textiles and apparel domestically, Nigeria could
reduce its annual import bills significantly.
"Foreign Exchange: Exports of textile and garments could earn valuable foreign exchange.
"Industrial Development: Positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for textile and
apparel would accelerate industrial growth."
Acknowledging the sector’s challenges, Dr. Anite also assured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment.
“We are resolute in revitalizing the CTG industry.” she stated.
The statement added "One critical step was the re-categorization of gas pricing and supply. The government’s intervention slashed production costs from $7.62 per thousand standard cubic feet (mscf) to $3.36 mscf, providing much-needed relief to manufacturers."
Mr. Suren Abeywickrema, Country Head for Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, shared an ambitious vision.
His company pledged collaboration with CTG stakeholders, including
farmers. Seedlings, financing, equipment—these would flow to the fields.
In return, farmers would supply cotton, the raw material for Nigeria’s textile and garment production.
Stakeholders, according to the statement, expressed their appreciation to the Minister for her persistent dedication.