Textile Union Urges FG to Revive Kaduna Textile, Cites Jobs and Economic Growth

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has urged the Federal Government to urgently revive Nigeria’s struggling textile industry, describing the sector as vital to industrialisation, job creation and economic diversification.

The union made the call at the First Abubakar D.O. Abutu Memorial Lecture organised by the Commonwealth Society of Nigeria in Abuja, where it also honoured the late labour leader for his contributions to workers’ rights, organised labour and national development.

Speaking at the event, NUTGTWN President Peters Godonu, represented by the union’s Deputy President, Umar Mohammed, said the legacy of Alhaji Abubakar Abutu remained relevant to the pursuit of workers’ dignity, social justice and national development.

Godonu used the occasion to renew the union’s call for the revival of Kaduna Textile Limited (KTL), describing the company as an important part of Nigeria’s industrial history.

He said reviving the factory would go beyond reopening a manufacturing facility, adding that it would demonstrate the country’s commitment to industrialisation, local production, job creation and economic diversification.

Textile Industry’s Decline Has Cost Jobs

The union president described textiles as one of the world’s major labour-intensive manufacturing sectors, noting that Nigeria once had a significant industry that generated employment, developed technical skills and supported communities across the country.

He identified Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Katsina and Zamfara among the areas that benefited from the industry’s growth.

According to Godonu, the decline of the sector has had consequences beyond factory closures, including job losses, the erosion of technical skills, reduced industrial capacity and the weakening of local supply chains.

He also said the downturn had limited employment and business opportunities for young Nigerians.

Union Highlights Nigeria’s Textile Potential

Despite the challenges facing the industry, Godonu said Nigeria still had several resources that could support the rebuilding of a competitive textile and garment sector.

He listed the country’s large domestic market, cotton-growing potential, substantial workforce, technical knowledge, vibrant fashion industry and youthful population among the advantages that could support the industry’s recovery.

He also pointed to access to the wider African market as an opportunity for Nigerian textile and garment manufacturers.

The union called on the Federal Government to prioritise the revival of the sector, with particular attention to Kaduna Textile Limited, as part of broader efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and expand employment opportunities.