NEC
NEC Approves Cotton, Textile, Garment Board to Boost Economy, Tackle Insecurity
In a move to revitalize Nigeria’s economy and address insecurity at its roots, the National Economic Council (NEC) has taken steps for the creation of a Cotton, Textile, and Garment Development Board (CTGDB).
This initiative, expected to generate up to $90 billion in economic value by 2035, aims to revive a once-thriving sector that clothed the nation and fueled its economy.
According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), the CTGDB will operate under the Presidency and be funded by the Textile Import Levy collected by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the NEC meeting—attended by all 36 state governors—also endorsed the establishment of a national office for the Green Imperative Project (GIP) in Abuja, with regional offices across the six geopolitical zones.
This initiative seeks to resolve conflicts linked to traditional animal husbandry practices.
The CTGDB will include representatives from the six geo-political zones, alongside the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Budget and Economic Planning, and Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Shettima emphasized that the board aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic revival agenda, stating, “Nigeria has the potential to grow cotton in 34 states, yet we produce only 13,000 metric tons while importing textiles worth millions. This isn’t just an economic gap—it’s a call to action. Our mission is revival, not just regulation.”
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development presented the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which builds on the National Livestock Transformation Plan (2018-2028) to modernize the sector, promote cattle ranching, and foster peace.
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