Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has stated the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and other stakeholders to revive Nigeria’s cotton subsector.
The goal is to boost cotton production, create jobs, and enhance export opportunities.
Kyari made this announcement during a recent meeting with the Executive Director of ICAC, Eric Trachtenberg, and other stakeholders at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He revealed that revitalizing the cotton industry could create over 1.4 million jobs annually, aligning with the industrialization policy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Minister noted that the focus will be on developing key components of the cotton value chain, including farming, weaving, ginning, and other related activities.
He expressed confidence that with ICAC’s technical expertise, the cotton subsector can be revived to contribute to sustainable economic growth and national development.
“The challenges in the sector which discouraged farmers from cotton production to other crops will be looked into and addressed for optimum productivity in the cotton ecosystem,” he said.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, also spoke at the meeting, emphasizing that agriculture is the largest employer of labor in the country.
He affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reviving the cotton and textile subsector.
In his remarks, ICAC’s Executive Director, Eric Trachtenberg, stated that the organization is committed to supporting Nigeria’s cotton value chain. He mentioned that ICAC would offer expert advice aimed at improving productivity, boosting the value chain, and facilitating investment.
He outlined potential areas for collaboration, including the training of farmers and extension service workers, deployment of technologies, and innovative solutions, among others.