The revival of Nigeria’s textile, garment and footwear industry is gaining renewed momentum, driven by technology adoption, institutional reform and stronger public–private collaboration, according to Joseph O. Ikpe, National President & CEO of the Garments & Footwear Factory Owners Association of Nigeria (GAFFOAN).
Speaking during *ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025*, Ikpe highlighted the strategic importance of global textile machinery exhibitions for African manufacturers, particularly at a time when the continent is seeking to rebuild industrial capacity and move up the value chain.
“It has been a very great experience for us in Singapore,” Ikpe said. “Being here with a Nigerian and African delegation and seeing live machinery demonstrations has helped us clearly understand how critical technology is for the future of textile manufacturing in Africa.”
Technology as a Catalyst for Industrial Revival
According to Ikpe, many African textile and garment factories are operating below optimal capacity due to outdated technology and limited exposure to modern manufacturing solutions. The opportunity to see advanced machinery operating live at ITMA Asia has been particularly valuable for factory owners.
“Over the past two days, we have seen a wide range of machines that can significantly improve productivity and delivery capabilities,” he explained. “Many members of our delegation own factories, and this exposure is helping them identify technologies that can help scale their operations.”
He emphasized that Africa’s manufacturing sector cannot grow sustainably without closing the technology gap, noting that international exhibitions play a key role in bridging that divide.
Education and Institutional Frameworks as Long-Term Solutions*
Ikpe pointed out that one of the structural challenges facing Nigeria’s textile and garment sector has been the absence of a strong institutional and educational foundation. To address this, Nigeria is increasingly integrating textile and garment manufacturing into academic curricula.
“We are working to embed textile and garment manufacturing into universities and polytechnics,” he said. “Education is essential for building corporate and managerial capacity, especially because many legacy businesses lacked the structure needed to run fully integrated, end-to-end factories.”
This approach, he added, is designed to support long-term industrial sustainability rather than short-term production gains.
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Access to Finance Remains a Critical Barrier
Despite growing interest in modernization, Ikpe acknowledged that financing remains a major obstacle for manufacturers.
“Textile machinery requires significant capital investment,” he noted. “Many of the machines we have seen here are expensive, and not many companies can afford them without support.”
He stressed the importance of collaboration, partnerships and supportive financial frameworks to enable manufacturers to invest in new technologies.
In this context, Ikpe welcomed the growing involvement of development finance institutions such as the *Bank of Industry, **Afreximbank, and the **Development Bank of Nigeria*, which are introducing targeted products and programs for textile, garment and fashion entrepreneurs.
Government Policy and Industry Roadmaps
Ikpe also highlighted the role of government policy in reviving Nigeria’s textile sector. He pointed to the *Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) Industry Development Roadmap*, which aims to restore the industry’s historical role as a major employer and economic contributor.
“The textile industry used to employ hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria,” he said. “Over time, the sector lost much of its value, but we are now seeing a gradual recovery. Government policies are instrumental in bringing the industry back to life.”
Reducing Dependence on Second-Hand Clothing Imports
Addressing the long-standing issue of second-hand clothing imports across West Africa, Ikpe explained that sustainable industrial growth is the most effective long-term solution.
“Second-hand clothing thrives because many low- and middle-income consumers cannot afford new garments,” he said. “If we scale up local manufacturing and reduce production costs, dependence on second-hand imports will naturally decline.”
Several West African countries, including Togo, Benin and Ghana, have already introduced policies to limit such imports, reinforcing the need for domestic manufacturing capacity.
Sustainability, Recycling and Circular Practices
Sustainability, Ikpe emphasized, is central to GAFFOAN’s vision. The association is actively promoting technologies that enable waste recycling, upcycling and circular production models within garment factories.
“We are focused on sustainable practices, including recycling garment waste and encouraging the reuse of textiles,” he said. “Used clothing can be recycled, and sustainability must go hand in hand with industrial growth.”
Cotton as a Strategic Pillar of the Value Chain
Cotton remains a critical component of Nigeria’s textile value chain, and Ikpe described renewed efforts to boost productivity in cotton farming, particularly in northern Nigeria.
“Nigeria is one of Africa’s major cotton-growing environments,” he said. “As textile factories expand in Nigeria, Benin and Togo, access to raw materials becomes essential.”
He noted that some countries in the region have begun restricting cotton exports to support domestic industries. Large-scale investments, such as *ARISE Integrated Platforms’ approximately USD 2 billion textile project in Ogun State*, further underscore the strategic importance of cotton production.
“That factory cannot operate without cotton,” Ikpe added. “Cotton farming creates jobs, supports industrial growth and strengthens the entire value chain.”
Africa Positioned for the Next Phase of Global Textile Manufacturing
Concluding his remarks, Ikpe expressed confidence in Africa’s readiness to play a larger role in global textile and garment manufacturing as production gradually shifts from Asia.
“There is a clear transition happening, and Africa is well positioned,” he said. “With the right technology, policies, financing and partnerships, the textile and garment industry can become a major driver of industrialization and employment across the continent.”
About GAFFOAN
The Garments & Footwear Factory Owners Association of Nigeria (GAFFOAN)* represents manufacturers across Nigeria’s garment and footwear sectors, advocating for sustainable industrial growth, access to finance, policy support and technological advancement.
