By Milcah Tanimu
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), has initiated efforts to revive Nigeria’s cotton industry. The goal is to generate over 1.4 million jobs annually in the cotton and textile sector, focusing on key aspects of the cotton value chain such as farming, weaving, ginning, and linking.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s industrialization drive. According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson for Vice President Kashim Shettima, this plan was discussed during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and an ICAC delegation led by Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Vice President Shettima urged stakeholders to develop a roadmap for revitalizing the cotton/textile sector, emphasizing the need for action over discussion. He assured that the Tinubu administration would seize opportunities within the cotton value chain and ensure Nigeria regains its ICAC membership.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos highlighted his state’s readiness to support the sector, citing Lagos as a crucial part of the cotton value chain. He expressed enthusiasm for job creation and economic transformation through the sector’s revival.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State described the meeting as the start of Nigeria’s textile industry revival, aiming to create jobs and drive industrialization. He emphasized the Southeastern region’s commitment to this effort.
ICAC Executive Director Trachtenberg praised Nigeria’s leadership and stakeholders for their interest and commitment to reviving the cotton industry. He cited the transformative potential of the cotton value chain, drawing examples from China, India, and Pakistan. Trachtenberg assured ICAC’s support through expert advice and investment facilitation.
The meeting was also attended by key figures such as 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, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso; and Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Dr. Jummai Tutuwa.
Other ICAC delegation members included Director of Textiles, Mr. Usman Kanwar; Chief Scientist, Dr. Keshav Kranthi; President of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria, Mr. Anibe Achimugu; Vice President of the Cotton Ginners Association, Abdulkarim Lawal Kaita; and representatives of major textile and cotton producers in the country.
