In a bid to revive the moribund cotton/textile industry in Nigeria, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), has commenced moves to resuscitate the industry.
The meeting convened at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to discuss the ambitious “African Cotton Sustainability Programme 2030”, set a target to create over 1.4 million jobs annually in the cotton/textile sector.
In a statement issued by the Vice President’s Media Aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the meeting which had ICAC’s Executive Director, Eric Trachtenberg, Shettima urged stakeholders to come up with a roadmap for the revitalization of the cotton/textile sector in Nigeria, as he assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration will make conscious efforts to ensure the country harnesses opportunities in the cotton value chain, including ensuring that Nigeria regains its ICAC membership.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting,
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos said his state was well positioned to harness opportunities in the cotton value chain, given that it hosts the factories, the market and is a critical component of the business ecosystem for the cotton sub-sector.
On his part, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State said Imo State and the Southeastern region will key into the renewed effort to revamp the cotton/textile sector in order to create jobs for the people and for the overall industrialization drive of the country.
Our correspondent, Raliat Adenekan reports that the Director-General of the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, Hamma Kwajaffa, expressed optimism about the revival of the textile industry, predicting a surge in employment and a reduction in security problems, while Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on his part pledged to tackle smuggling and support the revival of the textile industry in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Mr Trechtenberg said he was pleased with the level of interest and commitment shown by the leadership of the country and other stakeholders in reviving the industry in Nigeria.
Citing examples in China, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world, the ICAC Executive Director said the potentials in the cotton value chain was huge and has proven to be transformative.
