The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), has initiated efforts to rejuvenate the country’s cotton industry. This initiative aims to create over 1.4 million jobs annually within the cotton and textile sector, focusing on the development of key components such as farming, weaving, ginning, and the overall linking of cotton. This effort aligns with the industrialization goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The announcement followed a meeting held on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja between Vice President Kashim Shettima and an ICAC delegation led by its Executive Director, Eric Trachtenberg.
Vice President Shettima called on stakeholders to develop a roadmap for revitalizing the cotton/textile sector in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for action over rhetoric. He assured that the Tinubu administration is committed to harnessing opportunities within the cotton value chain and ensuring Nigeria regains its ICAC membership. Shettima acknowledged ICAC’s dedication to the sector’s development in Africa, highlighting the organization’s nuanced understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the cotton value chain.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos expressed confidence in his state’s ability to capitalize on opportunities within the cotton value chain, given its existing infrastructure, market, and business ecosystem. He pledged Lagos’ support for efforts to revamp the sector and sustain its status as the largest fashion hub on the continent. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the potential for job creation and economic transformation through the cotton and textile sector’s revival.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State described the meeting with the ICAC delegation as the beginning of Nigeria’s efforts to rejuvenate the textile industry, contributing to the broader objective of industrializing the economy. He committed the Southeastern region’s support to this initiative, highlighting its potential for job creation and industrial growth.
ICAC Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg praised the interest and commitment demonstrated by Nigeria’s leadership and stakeholders. He pointed to the transformative potential of the cotton value chain, citing successful examples from China, India, and Pakistan. Trachtenberg emphasized cotton and textiles’ competitive advantage and their ability to generate high-quality jobs domestically and internationally. He assured that ICAC would support Nigeria by providing expert advice to improve productivity and boost the value chain and investment facilitation.
The meeting also included the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; Director General of the Budget Office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu; Director General of the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso; and Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Dr. Jummai Tutuwa.
The ICAC delegation included the Director of Textiles, Usman Kanwar; Chief Scientist, Dr. Keshav Kranthi; President of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria, Anibe Achimugu; Vice President of the Cotton Ginners Association, Abdulkarim Lawal Kaita; and representatives of major textile and cotton producers in the country.
By Ebubedike Ochu
