John Owan Enoh has revealed that Nigeria spends about $6 billion yearly on textile imports, stressing the urgent need to revive the Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) sector to conserve foreign exchange and boost job creation.

Speaking at the Phase 1 completion of the National CTG Industrial Transformation Programme in Abuja, the minister said the import bill continues to drain foreign reserves while weakening local manufacturing capacity.

He highlighted the sharp decline in cotton production from about 2.5 million metric tons in 2001 to just 10,000 metric tons in 2025, describing it as a major threat to industrial growth and economic diversification.

The government, he said, is prioritising the revival of the CTG value chain to reduce import dependence, conserve FX, and create employment, following the launch of a new industrial policy earlier this year.

Enoh noted that the pilot programme has shown rapid turnaround potential, stating that within six to seven months, cotton can be grown and processed into finished garments, with locally produced T-shirts already outperforming imports in quality and pricing.

He added that a new strategic policy framework for the sector will be unveiled between June and July 2026 to guide regulation and attract investment.

Also speaking, Ayo Sotinrin pledged financial backing for cotton farmers and value chain players, noting that Nigeria still has the raw materials, manpower, and expertise needed to rebuild its once-thriving textile industry.