The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), has launched an initiative to revitalize the nation’s cotton and textile industry. This initiative aims to create over 1.4 million new jobs annually.
The announcement was made following a meeting on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja between Vice President Kashim Shettima and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) delegation led by Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg.
During the meeting, Shettima called on stakeholders to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the sector’s revitalization, emphasizing the need for actionable steps over discussions.
“The Tinubu administration is committed to harnessing opportunities in the cotton value chain to ensure Nigeria regains its ICAC membership,” said Shettima. He thanked the delegation for their visit and acknowledged ICAC’s dedication to developing the cotton sector in Africa, noting the diverse expertise within the committee.
Also, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his readiness to leverage its position in the cotton value chain, highlighting Lagos as a hub for factories and markets critical to the sector.
ICAC Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg commended the Nigerian leadership’s commitment to the industry’s revival. He cited successful examples from China, India, and Pakistan, noting that the cotton value chain has significant potential for economic transformation and job creation. Trachtenberg assured ICAC’s support in providing expert advice to improve productivity and investment in Nigeria’s cotton industry.
The meeting also saw participation from key figures, including the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; Director General of the Budget Office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu; Director General of the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso; and Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Dr. Jummai Tutuwa.
