A high-level Nigeria–India Textile Business-to-Business (B2B) engagement and policy roundtable was recently held in Abuja to discuss strategies for reviving Nigeria’s textile industry through industrial collaboration with India.
According to a report by This Day Live, business leaders, trade representatives and development partners from both countries explored coordinated measures to boost employment, strengthen exports and enhance manufacturing capabilities in Nigeria’s textile sector.
India, recognised as one of the world’s leading textile economies, was identified as a strategic partner for machinery supply, textile technology, skills training and manufacturing investments. Stakeholders proposed the development of textile processing clusters in Nigeria’s cotton-producing states, including Katsina and Zamfara, in collaboration with Indian textile hubs such as Surat, Tiruppur and Coimbatore.
Participants also discussed industrial partnerships focused on technology transfer, value chain development, virtual trade connections and B2B matchmaking between Nigerian distributors and Indian manufacturers.
The meeting was attended by Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) President Jani Ibrahim and Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Emeka Obegolu, along with Indian trade delegates and development organisations.
Ibrahim noted that despite strong domestic demand, Nigeria’s textile industry has continued to decline due to rising import competition and falling exports. He stated that funds currently spent on imports could instead be channelled into supporting local cotton farmers, textile manufacturers, designers and small businesses across the industry’s value chain.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s advantages, including its large population, expanding fashion sector and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasised the need for increased financial support for women-owned businesses.
Obegolu stressed that women-led MSMEs play a critical role in job creation and innovation, but continue to face challenges in accessing credit because of high interest rates, collateral demands and restrictive lending systems.