FG to revive cotton, textile sector with plan for integrated industrial parks

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to revitalise Nigeria’s cotton, textile and garment (CTG) industry through the establishment of integrated industrial parks aimed at strengthening the entire value chain and stimulating large-scale industrial growth.

The initiative was discussed at a high-level meeting convened by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Thursday in Abuja. The meeting brought together key development and financial institutions, including the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dapo Olusi; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Abba Bello; and the Regional Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Philbert Johnson, alongside other public and private sector stakeholders.

Discussions at the meeting focused on developing integrated CTG industrial parks that will link all stages of production, from cotton farming and ginning to textile manufacturing and garment production, with the aim of creating a more efficient and competitive industry.

The proposed initiative is expected to address longstanding challenges in the sector such as fragmented production systems, infrastructure gaps and limited access to financing, which have hindered growth and competitiveness over the years.

Speaking at the meeting, Enoh emphasised that strong policies, well-structured project development and access to adequate financing are critical to the successful implementation of the initiative.

“Revitalising the cotton, textile and garment sector is central to our industrial growth strategy. By developing integrated industrial parks and strengthening policy support, we are laying the foundation for a more competitive and sustainable industry,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government is working on a comprehensive policy framework for the sector, which will soon be presented for stakeholder validation.

Participants at the meeting also considered adopting a brownfield approach that focuses on revitalising existing industrial facilities and infrastructure rather than constructing entirely new ones, a strategy expected to accelerate implementation and reduce project costs.