The Federal Government has announced the successful production of 10,000 made-in-Nigeria T-shirts under a pilot initiative aimed at reviving the country’s textile industry, boosting local manufacturing, and creating jobs across the cotton and garment value chain.

The initiative, implemented under the National Cotton, Textile and Garment Industrial Transformation Programme (NCTG-ITP), was unveiled during the Phase I Showcase and Stakeholder Working Session held in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, said the project demonstrates Nigeria’s growing capacity to transform locally cultivated cotton into finished garments capable of competing with imported products.

According to him, the successful production of 10,000 T-shirts within six months reflects the government’s commitment to rebuilding the once-thriving textile industry while reducing dependence on imported clothing.

“Our biggest challenge has not been finance or infrastructure alone, but coordination across the value chain,” Enoh said.

He explained that the Federal Government is strengthening partnerships and policies to support farmers, manufacturers, and investors through collaboration with institutions such as the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to drive industrial revitalisation, economic diversification, and large-scale job creation.

According to him, the cotton, textile, and garment sector has the potential to generate more than 1.5 million jobs, particularly for women and youths, while improving Nigeria’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Director of Industrial Development, Olumuyiwa Ajayi, said the framework supporting the initiative would help attract investments, deepen local value chains, and improve opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises through skills development, technology adoption, and expanded market access.

Providing details of the pilot project, Special Adviser on Cotton, Textile and Garment to the minister, Eme Bassey, disclosed that the 10,000 T-shirts were produced entirely from locally sourced cotton.

He said the project proved that Nigerian factories could manufacture quality garments at prices capable of competing favourably with imported alternatives.

Development partners and financial institutions also pledged support for the revival of the sector.

Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Ayo Shotirin, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses and farmers across the cotton and garment value chain.

Similarly, Philbert Johnson of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization said Nigeria’s industrial transformation would require stronger collaboration, sustained policy support, and strategic investments to ensure long-term growth in the textile industry.

 

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