The Nigerian textile industry remains in a state of struggle as imports of textile products into the country surge by 106.7 percent over four years, reaching N377.1 billion in 2023.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), textile imports have consistently risen, starting from N182.5 billion in 2020, climbing to N278.8 billion in 2021, N365.5 billion in 2022, and peaking at N377.1 billion in 2023.
Despite initiatives by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) including financial support, training, and forex restrictions on textile imports, the sector continues to struggle.
Nigeria holds significant potential in the textile and apparel industry, with a rich history of production and a large domestic market. However, challenges such as smuggling, importation, unreliable power supply, policy inconsistencies, and insecurity have led to the demise of once-thriving textile mills.
Hamma Kwajaffa, Director General of the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, highlighted the high cost of production as a factor hindering the competitiveness of the local industry and deterring investments.
John Adaji, the former President of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), speaking at the union 13th National Delegates conference, lamented on the dominance of imported textiles, accounting for 90 percent of products in the Nigerian market, worth over $4 billion annually.
Adaji stressed the urgent need for government action to revive the sector, pointing to successful models like South Africa’s “Buy South Africa” campaign.
“90 percent of textile products in Nigerian markets today are imported. The government should revive and invest in the textile industry in order to create 2 million jobs in the country and as well reduce over $4 billion import bill incurred on textile and apparels annually,” he said.
He however praised the government’s Executive Order 003, which promotes local goods, as a positive step but emphasized the importance of full implementation to drive the sector’s recovery.
