India has pledged support for Nigeria’s efforts to revive its cotton, textile and garment industry through technology transfer, investment partnerships, skills development and value chain integration.
Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja at a Textile Meet and Business-to-Business (B2B) engagement themed “Reviving the Textile Industry in Nigeria,” organised by the Indian High Commission.
Singh said Nigeria and India share a long-standing economic partnership built on complementary strengths, noting that Nigeria’s large population and growing demand for textiles make it a strategic partner for India.
He stated that India is currently the world’s sixth largest exporter of textiles and apparel, with exports valued at $37.75 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Singh noted that bilateral textile trade between the two countries remains below potential due to import restrictions, high logistics costs, foreign exchange challenges and competition from cheaper Asian products.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s textile exports in 2024 stood at $25.69 million, with India accounting for only five percent of that figure.
The envoy said India is ready to support Nigeria’s textile revival by encouraging Indian companies to establish ginning, spinning and processing facilities in cotton-producing states such as Katsina and Zamfara. He added that India could also provide modern textile machinery, digital printing and dyeing technology, as well as technical training for Nigerian operators.
Singh further announced plans for collaboration between India’s National Institute of Fashion Technology and fashion institutions in Lagos, and the introduction of an India-Nigeria Bi-Monthly Trade Webinar Series with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
“We need to move the textile trade from transactional to transformational,” he said.
Earlier, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jani Ibrahim, represented by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, highlighted the importance of rebuilding Nigeria’s cotton-to-garment value chain.
Also speaking, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Emeka Obegolu, represented by Director-General Mr Agabaidu Jideani, and Special Adviser on Investment Promotion to the Abia Governor, Mr Greene Amakwe, both emphasised the huge potential of the sector, particularly Aba’s capacity to become a globally competitive garment hub.
