The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has commended the Federal Government for approving the establishment of the Textile and Garment Development Board, describing the move as a major step toward re-industrialising Nigeria’s economy.

In a statement released Wednesday and signed by Union President John Adaji Peters and General Secretary Issa Aremu Godonu Ali Baba, the union hailed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what it called a bold initiative to revive the country’s long-neglected textile industry.

“It is commendable that the current administration is taking practical steps to re-industrialise the country and restore the labour-intensive textile and garment industry,” Godonu stated.

He recalled that Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the 149th meeting of the National Executive Council on April 24 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviving a sector that “once clothed the people and powered the nation’s economy.”

According to Godonu, Shettima noted that the goal was “not just regulation but revival,” adding, “This is our opportunity to re-industrialise, to empower communities, and to restore pride in local production, which is assuring.”

The union expressed optimism that the board would support the modernisation of the textile value chain, enhance labour productivity, and reposition the industry for global competitiveness.

“The Council reportedly approved the proposal for the establishment of the Textile and Garment Development Board as the regulatory body for the cotton, textile, and garment sector of Nigeria,” Godonu said.

The board, according to the union, will be domiciled in the Presidency and privately driven, with input from public sector stakeholders. It will also be funded through the Textile Import Levy collected by the Nigeria Customs Service.

Godonu added that the board will include governors representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, along with ministers from the ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Budget and Economic Planning, and Industry, Trade and Investment.

NUTGTWN emphasised that the decision reflects the government’s recognition of the textile sector’s potential for job creation and industrial growth.

Ahead of the 2025 May Day celebration, the union also saluted Nigerian workers and reiterated its commitment to strengthening core areas, including collective bargaining, workers’ rights advocacy, membership mobilisation, and social protection.

“We pledge our commitment to improvement in wages and general working conditions of our members,” Godonu said. “We shall intensify our unionisation efforts and expand our activities in areas of capacity building, conflict resolution, and national and international solidarity.”

He noted that this year’s Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) May Day“ theme—“Reclaiming the Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship” — aligns with broader goals of advocating for industrial policies that foster decent jobs and economic justice.

Godonu concluded by stating that NUTGTWN, as an affiliate of the NLC and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), will continue its campaign for the full revival of the textile industry and for inclusive, sustainable development.