Nigeria’s textile industry faces one of its toughest periods in decades.
In 2025, Nigerians imported textiles worth ₦1.06 trillion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Soaring Textile Imports
Moreover, this figure rose sharply from ₦726.18 billion in 2024 and ₦377.47 billion in 2023, showing increasing dependence.
Over the last four years, rising consumer demand and population growth have almost tripled textile imports.
Decline Of Local Mills
Once-thriving cities such as Kaduna, Kano, and Lagos hosted hundreds of textile mills employing over one million Nigerians.
During the 1970s, Nigeria’s textile sector produced fabrics for domestic and foreign markets, gaining global recognition.
However, high production costs and erratic electricity supply made local textiles less competitive compared to cheaper imports.
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Furthermore, the influx of low-cost fabrics and widespread smuggling weakened domestic manufacturers’ operations across the country.
Consequently, many factory owners closed or reduced production, leaving tailors, designers, and markets reliant on imports.
Despite Nigeria’s large cotton production, domestic textile manufacturers continue struggling to meet market demand efficiently.
Path To Revival
Therefore, industry stakeholders urge the government to provide better electricity, financing, modern machinery, and enforce anti-smuggling laws.
Reviving the sector could cut import costs, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate broader industrial growth nationwide.
Even as imports soar, Nigeria achieved a trade surplus of ₦1.71 trillion in Q4 2025, showing resilience.
Ultimately, Nigeria must transform this resilience into a revival of its proud, once-booming textile industry.
