FG launches initiative to create abundant jobs in cotton/textile sector

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has announced new economic measures aimed at creating over 1.4 million jobs annually in the cotton and textile sector. This initiative, in collaboration with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), seeks to revive Nigeria’s cotton industry.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the initiative focuses on key components of the cotton value chain, including farming, weaving, ginning, and linking cotton processes. This effort aligns with the industrialization goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The announcement followed a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja between Vice President Kashim Shettima and an ICAC delegation led by Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg.

Speaking after the meeting, Senator Shettima urged stakeholders to develop a roadmap for revitalizing the cotton and textile sector in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for action over discussion. He assured that the Tinubu administration will make concerted efforts to harness opportunities in the cotton value chain, including ensuring that Nigeria regains its ICAC membership.

He thanked the delegation for their visit and acknowledged ICAC’s commitment to the development of the sector in Africa, noting, “Your diverse backgrounds in ICAC provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities and opportunities in the cotton value chain.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos highlighted his state’s strategic position in the cotton value chain, given its factories, market, and critical role in the business ecosystem. He expressed excitement about the potential for job creation and economic transformation and pledged Lagos State’s readiness to support efforts to revamp the sector.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State described the meeting with the ICAC delegation as the beginning of Nigeria’s quest to revitalize the textile industry as part of a broader industrialization objective. He committed the Southeastern region to participating in the renewed effort to create jobs and drive industrialization.

ICAC Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg expressed satisfaction with the interest and commitment shown by Nigeria’s leadership and stakeholders. He highlighted the transformative potential of the cotton value chain, citing examples from China, India, and Pakistan. He noted that cotton and textiles offer competitive advantages and can generate high-quality jobs both domestically and internationally.

Trachtenberg assured that ICAC would support Nigeria’s efforts by providing expert advice on improving productivity and boosting investment in the cotton value chain.

Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; the Director General, Budget Office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu; Director General, Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso; and Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Dr. Jummai Tutuwa.

Other members of the ICAC delegation included the Director of Textiles, Mr. Usman Kanwar; Chief Scientist, Dr. Keshav Kranthi; President of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria, Mr. Anibe Achimugu; Vice President, Cotton Ginners Association, Abdulkarim Lawal Kaita; and representatives of major textile and cotton producers in the country.