Nigeria’s textile production has increased by more than 45 per cent, reducing reliance on imported clothing and opening new opportunities for manufacturers nationwide. Experts told the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday that the upswing reflects stronger patronage for Nigerian-made products, rising entrepreneurial activity, and increased local investment in the textile industry and the broader garment industry. They urged continued policy support to sustain local manufacturing and keep momentum across the value chain.
Expert perspectives on resilience and capacity
Economic and development expert Umar Salis said the production increase shows the resilience and creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs despite prevailing economic challenges. According to Salis, the country is steadily reversing years of dependence on imported garments through higher domestic output of jerseys, trousers, jackets, suits and T-shirts. He noted that the gains support job creation, conserve foreign exchange and reinforce Nigeria’s manufacturing base within the textile industry.
Salis called for industrial clusters, affordable credit, uninterrupted electricity and advanced production equipment, especially for young entrepreneurs. He added that with the right support, Nigeria could emerge as a leading textile and garment production hub in Africa, strengthening local manufacturing and contributing to broader economic development.
SMEs scale up as demand grows
Garment manufacturer Musa Ibrahim said rising demand for locally produced clothing has encouraged many small and medium-sized enterprises to expand production across the country. He explained that stronger consumer confidence in Nigerian-made products has stimulated investment, increased employment and bolstered activity throughout the textile value chain, underpinning job creation and the growth of the garment industry.
Ibrahim highlighted that producers are delivering quality jerseys, trousers, jackets, uniforms and corporate wear that compare favourably with imported alternatives. He identified access to modern machines, stable electricity and affordable financing as key challenges that still affect local manufacturing and limit efficiency gains.
Women and youth drive enterprise
Fashion entrepreneur Aisha Muhammad described the trend as a positive opening for women and young people seeking sustainable livelihoods in garment production. She said many women have set up tailoring and garment businesses, generating income, expanding entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment in their communities—an important link to economic development.
Muhammad urged the establishment of more vocational training centres, provision of grants and subsidised modern sewing and textile equipment for young people. She said that empowering youth and women with the right facilities would increase production, reduce poverty and strengthen the nation’s economy.
Sustaining Nigeria textile growth
The experts agreed that sustained investment in domestic textile production would accelerate industrialisation, expand exports, strengthen manufacturing and further reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported clothing. Continued focus on reliable electricity, accessible finance, modern equipment and practical training is seen as essential to support Nigeria textile growth, deepen local manufacturing and consolidate gains across the garment industry and the textile industry.
