Nigeria's dependence on imported textile products deepened in the first quarter of 2026, with the value of textile imports rising by 17 per cent year-on-year to N267.7 billion, underscoring the persistent challenges facing the country's once-thriving textile industry.
New figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that textile imports increased significantly from N228.83 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025, despite growing calls for stronger protection of local manufacturers and renewed efforts to revive domestic production.
The latest data also revealed a continued upward trend on a quarter-on-quarter basis, with imports rising by 8.94 per cent from the N245.73 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The increase highlights the widening gap between local textile demand and domestic production capacity, as manufacturers continue to grapple with high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, smuggling and limited access to affordable financing.
Renewed Push for Import Restrictions
The surge in imports comes at a time when policymakers are seeking ways to revive Nigeria's textile and garment sector, which was once among the largest employers in the country's manufacturing landscape.
Recently, the Senate called on the Federal Government to consider banning textile imports as part of a broader strategy to stimulate local production, create jobs and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Supporters of the proposal argue that restricting textile imports would provide local manufacturers with a protected environment to rebuild capacity and compete more effectively.
For decades, industry stakeholders have lamented the decline of Nigeria's textile sector, which once boasted hundreds of factories and employed millions directly and indirectly across the cotton, textile and garment value chain.
Today, only a fraction of those factories remain operational, with many forced to shut down due to rising energy costs, weak infrastructure, cheap imports and widespread smuggling.
Manufacturers Urge Caution
Despite supporting efforts to revive local production, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has cautioned against implementing an outright ban without first addressing structural challenges within the industry.
Speaking during a television interview, Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, warned that import restrictions alone would not automatically revive the sector and could produce unintended consequences if introduced prematurely.
According to him, Nigeria possesses the potential to meet a substantial portion of its textile demand, but rebuilding the industry requires deliberate policy actions and strong government commitment.
"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.
His comments highlight a recurring concern among manufacturers—that government institutions often advocate local production while continuing to rely heavily on imported goods.
Government Must Lead by Example
Ajayi-Kadir argued that before considering a blanket import ban, authorities should first ensure full implementation of existing policies designed to promote local content.
He specifically referenced Executive Order 003, which mandates preference for locally manufactured goods and services in public procurement.
According to him, a successful revival strategy should begin with government agencies becoming major consumers of Nigerian-made textiles.
He suggested that institutions such as the Presidency, National Assembly, armed forces, police, paramilitary agencies and public schools should prioritise locally produced fabrics, uniforms and garments.
The MAN chief stressed that such measures would create stable demand for local manufacturers, encourage investment and help rebuild production capacity before more restrictive trade policies are introduced.
Challenges Facing Local Textile Manufacturers
Industry experts note that while restricting imports could provide temporary relief for domestic producers, several fundamental issues must be addressed if the sector is to achieve sustainable growth.
These include unreliable electricity supply, high energy costs, insecurity affecting cotton production, inadequate transport infrastructure, limited access to foreign exchange for machinery imports and the continued influx of smuggled textile products through Nigeria's borders.
Many manufacturers argue that unless these challenges are resolved, local producers may struggle to meet national demand even if imports are restricted.
The result could be higher prices for consumers and supply shortages across the market.
Balancing Protection and Competitiveness
The debate over textile imports reflects a broader policy dilemma facing Nigeria: how to protect domestic industries while ensuring competitiveness and affordability for consumers.
While supporters of import restrictions view them as necessary tools for industrial development, critics warn that bans without adequate preparation could create distortions and undermine economic efficiency.
For now, the latest NBS figures indicate that imported textiles continue to dominate Nigeria's market, even as policymakers and industry stakeholders search for solutions to restore the fortunes of a sector once regarded as a cornerstone of the nation's manufacturing economy.
Whether through import restrictions, stronger local procurement policies or targeted industrial reforms, many stakeholders agree that meaningful action will be required if Nigeria hopes to reduce its dependence on foreign textile products and rebuild a globally competitive textile industry.