Textile Workers Lauds Federal Gov’t For Establishing Board

The National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has applauded President Bola Tinubu-led administration for the establishment of the Textile and Garment Development Board, ahead of May Day celebration by Nigerian workers.

NUTGTWN, in a statement on Wednesday, jointly signed by its President and General Secretary, Peters Godonu and Ali Baba, described as commendable that the current administration is re-industrialising the country and reviving the labour-intensive textile and garment industry.

He recalled that Vice President Kashim Shettima had earlier restated the Federal Government’s plan to resuscitate the sector that once clothed the people and powered the nation’s economy.

The textile union President hopes that the Board would help to ensure regular upgrading of the textile value chains, improve labour productivity, maximise value-addition, and formulate strategies and programmes that will reposition Nigeria’s textile sector for global competitiveness.

It noted that the approval for the board was taken at the 149th meeting of the National Executive Council held on Thursday, 24th April, 2025, in Abuja.

According to him, “Government statement explains that the board, when set up, will be domiciled in the Presidency, private sector-driven, with representation of the relevant public sector stakeholders, and funded from the Textile Import Levy being collected by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)”.

The NUTGTWN acknowledged and welcomed the step by the federal government “as a clear demonstration of its commitment to reviving Nigeria’s textile industry, which has suffered years of neglect and decline.

“It underscores the government’s recognition of the sector’s critical role in job creation, industrial growth, and national economic development”.

On the May Day celebration on May 1st, the Union salutes its members, the entire Nigerian workers, and workers worldwide as they celebrate the dignity of labour and the role of workers in the fight for democracy and social justice.

“On this occasion of May Day 2025, the union reaffirms its commitment to improving in core areas of our activities namely; collective bargaining, union organisation, membership drive, national solidarity, campaign and advocacy, workers’ education, health and safety, gender, defense of workers’ rights, publication and documentation and social security for members”, he added.

The union further pledged its commitment to seek improved wages and general working conditions for its members, adding it will intensify effort and expand activities in capacity building, conflict resolution, and national and international solidarity.

“We shall strengthen our campaign for improved productivity and, at the same time, maintain zero tolerance to exploitation and violation of workers’ rights”, he added.

The statement added that the union will continue to intensify the campaign and advocacy for the resuscitation of the textile industry in particular and re-industrialisation in the sector.