Abuja To Host India-Nigeria Textile, Investment Forum

The much anticipated India-Nigeria Textile, Trade and Investment Business to Business (B2B) Forum will be held in Abuja on Thursday May 7 as organised by the High Commission of India in collaboration with Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Indian High Commission made available to reporters over the weekend, stressing that the theme of the forum: “Reviving the Textile Industry in Nigeria,” will bring together industry experts to brainstorm on key issues within the industry.

Some of the notable figures  that will speak at the even  include the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Sigh; Dr Jani Ibrahim, President of NACCIMA; Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of ACCI; Prof. Adesoji Adesugba First Deputy President of ACCI and NACCIMA Focal Person for Indian Relations among others.

Key areas of focus include cotton production and sourcing, textile manufacturing and processing, garment production and fashion value chain, textile machinery and technology, trade, export and market access as well as skills development and capacity building.

The revival of the Nigeria textile industry according to experts remains one of the many areas of focus of past and perhaps present administration. However, despite all the interventionist efforts and policies the Nigerian textile industry has not manifested its full potential neither has it returned to its glory days.

The forum, according to the High Commission, might yet present Nigeria with a new dimension in textile technology and investment that will actualise the dream of the Nigerian government to boost the sector and add value to the Nigerian economy.

According to the statement from the Indian High Commission, “The textile and garment sector remains a critical driver of industrialisation, employment, and trade in both Nigeria and India. While India has established itself as a global leader in textile manufacturing, technology, and exports, Nigeria possesses significant potential in cotton production, a large consumer market, and growing interest in reviving its textile industry.

“Strengthening bilateral collaboration between both countries presents an opportunity to unlock value across the textile value chain from raw materials to finished products.”