Textile importation rises 17% to N267.7bn

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By Yinka Kolawole

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The value of textile materials imported into Nigeria rose by 17 per cent year-on-year, YoY, to N267.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1’26), highlighting the country’s continued reliance on imported textile products despite efforts to revive local production.

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Data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, showed that textile imports increased from N228.83 billion in Q1’25. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, imports also rose by 8.94 per cent from N245.73 billion recorded in Q4’25.

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The development comes amid renewed calls to revive Nigeria’s struggling textile industry following a Senate resolution urging the Federal Government (FG) to ban textile imports and promote local manufacturing.

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However, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, has urged the Federal Government to tread cautiously, warning that a blanket import ban without adequate preparation could undermine the intended objective.

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Speaking in a television interview, Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said Nigeria has the capacity to meet a significant portion of its textile needs, but stressed that reviving the sector requires more than legislative resolutions.

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According to him, the government must first demonstrate commitment to patronising locally produced textiles and fully enforce policies that encourage the use of made-in-Nigeria products.

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“For instance, are we going to enforce the patronage of made-in-Nigeria textiles within the government? When the National Assembly passed this resolution, how many of them were wearing made-in-Nigeria garments?” he asked.

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Ajayi-Kadir noted that any import ban should be accompanied by diligent implementation of Executive Order 003 and a broader “Nigeria First” policy that prioritises local products across government institutions, including the Presidency, National Assembly, military, uniformed agencies and schools.

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