Nigeria’s textile importation has increased sharply by 17 percent, reaching ₦267.7 billion, highlighting continued dependence on foreign fabrics and finished textile products despite ongoing efforts to revive the local manufacturing sector.
The latest trade data shows that imports of textiles, fabrics, and related apparel materials have grown significantly compared to the previous reporting period, reflecting sustained demand from retailers, fashion businesses, and industrial users across the country.
Analysts say the rise underscores persistent structural challenges in Nigeria’s textile industry, including high production costs, limited access to affordable power, outdated machinery, and reduced competitiveness of local manufacturers compared to imported alternatives.
The development comes at a time when policymakers have repeatedly emphasized the need to revive Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry, which historically provided thousands of jobs and contributed significantly to industrial output, particularly in northern manufacturing hubs.
Despite various government interventions, including import restrictions on certain textile categories and support programmes aimed at boosting local production, the sector continues to struggle with capacity constraints and inconsistent policy enforcement.
Economic observers note that imported textiles remain attractive to traders and consumers due to their perceived affordability, quality consistency, and wide variety, factors that continue to give foreign suppliers an advantage in the Nigerian market.
The increase to ₦267.7 billion also raises concerns about the country’s foreign exchange pressures, as higher import bills place additional strain on Nigeria’s external reserves and contribute to demand for scarce foreign currency.
Industry stakeholders argue that without significant investment in local textile production infrastructure, Nigeria may continue to rely heavily on imports, undermining broader industrialization goals and job creation targets.
Manufacturers have repeatedly called for improved access to credit, stable electricity supply, and modernization of production facilities to enhance competitiveness and reduce production costs. They also stress the need for stronger border controls to prevent smuggling of textiles, which they say undermines legitimate local businesses.
The federal government has previously outlined plans to revitalize the textile sector as part of its broader industrial development agenda, including initiatives aimed at supporting cotton farming, improving value chain integration, and attracting private sector investment into textile manufacturing zones.
However, implementation challenges and inconsistent policy execution have slowed progress, leaving local producers struggling to compete with imported goods flooding the market.
Trade analysts warn that continued growth in textile imports could further weaken domestic production capacity unless urgent interventions are introduced to address supply-side constraints and stimulate demand for locally made fabrics.
They also highlight the need for improved coordination between trade, agriculture, and industrial policy frameworks to ensure that cotton production, textile manufacturing, and garment production are effectively integrated.
Small and medium-scale textile traders have expressed mixed reactions to the rising import figures, noting that while imported fabrics remain essential to their businesses, they would prefer a stronger local industry that could offer competitive pricing and stable supply.
The situation also reflects broader trends in Nigeria’s import-dependent consumption pattern, where demand for finished goods continues to outpace domestic production capacity in several sectors.
Experts say reversing the trend will require long-term structural reforms, including investment in industrial clusters, improved infrastructure, and targeted incentives for local manufacturers.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic diversification challenges, the rising textile import bill underscores the urgency of strengthening domestic production capacity to reduce dependence on foreign goods and support sustainable economic growth.
