In a landmark move toward industrial sovereignty, the Federal Government has officially inaugurated a Steering Committee to develop the framework for the establishment of the Cotton, Textile, and Garment Development Board (CTGDB).
The initiative, a core component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to breathe life into a sector that once served as a primary engine for Nigeria’s GDP, job creation, and rural stability in Abuja on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, CON, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), emphasized that the restoration of the Cotton, Textile, and Garment (CTG) sector is a national priority.
The SGF noted that the sector has historically faced crippling challenges—including smuggling, inconsistent policies, and intense competition from imported materials. The new Board is designed to dismantle these barriers through strategic intervention and public-private partnerships.
Iyaloja-General Applauds Shift from Consumption to Production
Reacting to the inauguration, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, lauded the Federal Government for its commitment to economic diversification. She described the establishment of the Board as a “major shift and a monumental breakthrough” for the Nigerian economy.
“For too long, we have been a consuming nation. This initiative marks a heavy tilt toward becoming a producing economy,” Chief Dr. Tinubu-Ojo stated. “This is the path to regaining our stature as the true Giant of Africa.”
The Iyaloja-General further pledged her full support to ensure the success of the drive within the nation’s vast market network. She committed to:
* Leading a national campaign against the importation of materials that can be produced locally.
* Encouraging market stakeholders to embrace products where Nigeria holds a comparative cost advantage.
* Fostering a market-friendly environment that prioritizes Nigerian-made textiles and garments.
From Advocacy to Implementation
The Steering Committee, chaired by Mr. Abia Ifiok Bassey, includes a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association (NTMA), Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), and the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN).
The Coordinator of the CTG Development Forum (CTGDF), Anibe Achimugu, described the ceremony as a transition “from advocacy to implementation, from intention to delivery, and from aspiration to measurable national impact.”
Terms of Reference
The Committee is tasked with:
* Proposing sources of income and budgetary provisions for the new Board.
* Determining the composition, functions, and regulatory powers of the CTGDB.
* Recommending supportive policies to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
* Submitting a comprehensive report to the President for the formal establishment of the board.
Prince Emmanuel Odunayo Ikusagba Reporting for Iyaloja-General’s Media
