In Nigeria, exports are largely dominated by crude oil, which represents 82.5% of total exports in the third quarter of 2023. Non-oil products, including textiles, constitute only a small fraction of total exports. To diversify its export sources and further create value, Nigeria also wants to focus on its textile sector. Thus, on April 26, 2025, the National Economic Council (NEC) approved the creation of a Cotton, Textile and Clothing Development Council.
In 2024, Nigeria’s textile and related imports reached approximately 726.18 billion naira, a 298% increase from 182.53 billion naira in 2020. However, Nigeria believes it could earn much more from this industry. With this in mind, on April 26, 2025, the National Economic Council (NEC) in Nigeria approved the establishment of a Cotton, Textile, and Clothing Development Council. Its main objective is to build local capacity, reduce dependence on imports, and boost the sector’s global competitiveness.
« This business used to recruit a lot of people. Now the production costs have caused the textile industry to collapse. Now there is no patronage. The government doesn’t really support this industry. »
Abdullahi Yusuf, Accountant Tofa-textile – Nigéria
Meanwhile, the federal government, in collaboration with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), has launched an ambitious program aimed at creating over 1.4 million jobs annually in the cotton, textile, and clothing value chain. This program focuses on key areas such as cotton growing, weaving, and processing, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s industrialization strategy. By 2024, Nigeria’s total textile and related exports were estimated at approximately US$47.4 million at that year’s average exchange rate.
“The many taxes affect the textile sector. The taxes are enormous, and this affects the industry. In a few years, many people will be less involved in this sector.”
Abdullahi Yusuf, Accountant Tofa-textile – Nigéria
To revive the textile industry, experts have proposed several avenues, including targeted protectionism, infrastructure modernization, increased support for the cotton sector, and stricter border controls to combat smuggling. The Statistica platform projects that the Nigerian clothing market is expected to reach $10 billion in 2025 and grow at an average rate of 7.23% per year through 2029.
