By Benson Daniel
Nigeria’s textile industry is facing renewed pressure as the value of imported textile materials surged by 181 per cent in two years, reaching N1.08 trillion in 2025 from N377.47 billion recorded in 2023.
The sharp increase has raised fresh concerns over the survival and competitiveness of local textile manufacturers, who continue to contend with high production costs, inadequate electricity supply, foreign exchange pressures and other structural challenges.
Data covering the period showed that textile imports rose by 92.4 per cent in 2024 to N726.18 billion from N377.47 billion in 2023 before increasing by another 46 per cent to N1.08 trillion in 2025.
The upward trend has continued into 2026, with textile imports reaching N267.7 billion in the first quarter, representing a 153.2 per cent increase compared with N70.48 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
If the current trend persists, the country’s textile import bill could rise to about N1.4 trillion by the end of the year.
The increasing dependence on imported fabrics has widened the gap between domestic production and consumption, placing additional pressure on local manufacturers that are already struggling with rising input and operating costs.
Textile exports have also weakened considerably, further worsening the sector’s trade imbalance. The decline in exports reflects the difficulties faced by local producers in competing effectively in both domestic and international markets.
The latest figures have renewed calls for stronger government intervention to protect Nigeria’s textile industry and rebuild domestic production capacity.
The Senate had earlier called for a total ban on textile imports as part of efforts to revive the sector and restore textile manufacturing along major industrial corridors, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Supporters of stronger restrictions argue that continued imports are undermining local manufacturers and preventing the country from rebuilding its textile value chain, from cotton cultivation to spinning, weaving, processing and garment production.
However, other stakeholders have warned that an outright import ban could create unintended consequences if local production is not strong enough to meet demand.
Industry advocates say the focus should therefore extend beyond restrictions to include affordable financing, reliable electricity, access to modern machinery, improved cotton production and stronger support for local manufacturers.
The textile sector remains an important source of employment and economic activity, with its wider value chain involving farmers, manufacturers, transporters, distributors, tailors, fashion businesses and retailers.
A decline in domestic textile production therefore has implications beyond factories, affecting several businesses and livelihoods connected to the industry.
The growing import bill also represents a significant outflow of resources that could otherwise support domestic production, employment and investment if the country succeeds in rebuilding its textile manufacturing capacity.
Manufacturers are consequently calling for policies that create a more competitive operating environment while ensuring that any restrictions are introduced gradually and supported by measures that enable local producers to expand.
The challenge for policymakers is to strike a balance between protecting domestic manufacturers and ensuring that consumers and downstream businesses have access to affordable textile products.
With imports continuing to rise sharply, stakeholders say urgent action is required to prevent further decline in domestic textile manufacturing and rebuild a sector that once played a major role in Nigeria’s industrial economy.
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