ABU, Experts brainstorm to revive Nigeria’s textiles industries
empowerment in textiles and allied industries
Experts from the textiles and other related sub-sector are set for deliberations on strategies to revive the Nigeria’s textile and allied industries for economic renaissance.
Malam Auwalu Umar Director Public Affairs Directorate, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU ), Zaria disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Zaria on Friday.
He said the stakeholders from the sector would discuss the issue at an international conference at ABU.
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According to Umar, the theme of the conference is: “Empowering Tradition, Enriching the Future: Reviving Nigeria’s Textiles and Allied Industries for Economic Renaissance”, and is billed to hold between Nov. 11 and 14.
“Some of the areas slated for intense discussion at the event include; digital transformation in textile and other allied industries, entrepreneurial advantages of textiles and allied sub-sector.
“Others are sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in the polymer and related industries,” Umar said.
He added that participants at the conference will also discuss skills development and empowerment in textiles and allied industries.
The director added that the stakeholders would also discuss the roles of government in policy framework and regulatory support for textiles and allied industries, as well as prospects of Nigerian leather products for economic growth.
Current State of the Industry
Despite recent efforts by the Nigerian government to revitalize the textile sector, the industry continues to struggle. As of 2024, approximately 96.5% of textile products consumed in Nigeria are imported, reflecting a staggering increase in textile imports by 106.7% from 2019 to 2023
The National Bureau of Statistics reported that imports totaled ₦377.1 billion in 2023, indicating a persistent trade deficit in textiles
The government’s initiatives, including a $3.5 billion investment plan announced by the immediate past Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, aim to rejuvenate the sector and create around 20,000 jobs
