Nigeria recorded a significant increase in textile importation during the first quarter of 2026, with official data showing that textile imports rise by 17 per cent year-on-year to N267.7 billion despite ongoing efforts to revive domestic production.
Figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that textile imports climbed from N228.83 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025. The latest data also showed a quarter-on-quarter increase of 8.94 per cent from the N245.73 billion reported in the fourth quarter of 2025. The development underscores the country’s continued dependence on imported textile materials at a time when policymakers are pushing for stronger local manufacturing.
The increase comes amid renewed discussions on the future of Nigeria’s textile industry following a Senate resolution urging the Federal Government to prohibit textile imports and encourage local production.
Supporters of the proposal argue that reducing imports could help revive domestic factories, create jobs and strengthen the country’s industrial base. However, industry stakeholders have cautioned that policy measures must be carefully implemented to avoid unintended consequences.
Reacting to the growing debate, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) advised the Federal Government to adopt a measured approach rather than imposing an immediate blanket ban.
Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said Nigeria possesses the potential to satisfy a substantial portion of its textile demand but noted that rebuilding the industry requires comprehensive policy implementation beyond legislative resolutions. According to him, government institutions must first demonstrate commitment to supporting locally produced textiles before introducing restrictive import measures.
“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.
Ajayi-Kadir stressed that any policy designed to address the trend in which textile imports rise should be supported by effective enforcement of existing government directives. He pointed to Executive Order 003 and the broader Nigeria First policy as important tools that could encourage patronage of locally manufactured products.
According to him, such policies should be fully implemented across government institutions, including the Presidency, National Assembly, military formations, uniformed services and educational institutions. The MAN chief argued that sustained demand for locally produced textiles would help stimulate investment, increase production capacity and strengthen the industry’s competitiveness.
The latest NBS figures showing that textile imports rise to N267.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026 have renewed attention on the challenges facing Nigeria’s textile sector. While calls for import restrictions continue to gain support, manufacturers insist that stronger implementation of local content policies and government patronage will be essential to achieving long-term industrial growth and reducing reliance on imported textile products.
