The Federal Government has announced that discussions are underway to revive moribund textile factories across Nigeria and the Ajaokuta Steel Company as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s industrial sector and accelerate economic growth.
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, stating that the Tinubu administration was implementing the National Industrial Policy (NIP) to boost manufacturing, create jobs and support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
On the textile sector, Enoh said the government was working on the Cotton, Textile and Garment Industrial Transformation Programme, aimed at reconnecting cotton farmers, textile manufacturers and garment producers to rebuild the value chain.
He added that the government was engaging investors and development partners interested in converting abandoned textile factories into industrial parks, with agreements expected to be concluded in the coming weeks.
Speaking on Ajaokuta Steel Company, the minister said talks with an international consortium were progressing and expressed optimism that the engagements would produce positive outcomes.
Enoh described steel production as essential to meaningful industrialisation, stressing that sustainable economic growth could not be achieved without increased domestic production.
He noted that the National Industrial Policy, launched in February 2026, is the first comprehensive industrial policy Nigeria has developed in decades and includes a clear implementation framework with defined responsibilities and quarterly reporting.
According to the minister, the government is targeting an increase in the industrial sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25 percent by 2030.
He also said the administration was promoting value addition to reduce the export of raw materials, expanding access to affordable long term financing through institutions such as the Bank of Industry, and implementing the Nigeria First Policy to encourage the patronage of locally manufactured goods.
Enoh further revealed that the government was working to reduce manufacturers’ energy costs, noting that power accounts for about 40 percent of operating costs for many industries.
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