The federal government has launched a revitalization project for Nigeria’s cotton industry in partnership with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced that the project will focus on developing key components of the cotton value chain, including farming, weaving, ginning, and linking.
The project aims to create over 1.4 million jobs annually in the cotton/textile sector, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s industrialization drive. Shettima urged stakeholders to develop a roadmap for the sector’s revitalization and assured the ICAC delegation of the government’s commitment to harnessing opportunities in the cotton value chain.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Hope Uzodinma of Imo expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the potential for job creation and economic transformation. ICAC Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg praised the government’s commitment and offered expert advice on improving productivity and boosting the value chain.
This partnership builds on previous interventions, including financial and material support from the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria. The goal is to revitalize the cotton and textile industry, create jobs, and drive economic growth.