Nigeria’s textile industry faced a sharp downturn in 2025 as export earnings collapsed by 55.25 per cent to N16.55 billion from N36.98 billion in 2024, even as the nation’s importation of textile products surged to N1.061 trillion, up 46.11 per cent from N726.18 billion the previous year.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows a widening gap between local textile production and foreign supply, underscoring Nigeria’s growing dependence on imported fabrics amid persistent challenges in domestic manufacturing.
Textile exports had experienced steady growth in previous years, rising from N10.27 billion in 2022 to N18.76 billion in 2023, and surging to N36.98 billion in 2024 before dropping drastically to N16.55 billion in 2025.
Meanwhile, textile imports continued a steep upward trajectory, increasing from N365.46 billion in 2022 to N377.47 billion in 2023, before jumping to N726.18 billion in 2024 and reaching N1.061 trillion in 2025.
The figures highlight the structural weaknesses of Nigeria’s textile sector, including high production costs, inadequate power supply, smuggling, and competition from cheaper imported fabrics.
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Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), said reviving the textile industry requires a holistic approach linking cotton farming to garment production and strengthening the entire value chain.
Ajayi-Kadir urged stronger local sourcing, improved enforcement against smuggling and counterfeiting, and increased investment in technology. He warned that high production costs, poor infrastructure, and cheap imports continue to stifle the sector’s competitiveness.
He called on the government to partner with financial institutions and industry players to drive the revival of Nigeria’s textile and leather sectors, highlighting their labour-intensive nature, potential for job creation, value addition, exports, and their reflection of Nigeria’s creativity and cultural heritage.
“Collaboration must be strategic, involving manufacturers, government, financial institutions, research bodies, and development partners,” he said, stressing coordinated efforts across the entire value chain from cotton farming and spinning to garment making, and from hides processing to finished leather goods.
Ajayi-Kadir also appealed to the government to enforce policies that protect local industries, promote fair competition, and strengthen industrial clusters, ensuring sustainable growth for Nigeria’s textile sector.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
