The Federal Government has revealed plans to revive the defunct Kaduna Textile industry in a renewed push for national industrialization and economic diversification. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the disclosure during a 2-day interactive session on Government-Citizen Engagement held in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The event, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, was themed: “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens Engagement for National Unity.” It served as a platform for direct communication between the Federal Government and Northern stakeholders, aimed at rebuilding trust and driving inclusive national development.
Akume, who led the Federal Government delegation comprising appointees of President Bola Tinubu from Northern Nigeria, stressed that the revival of Kaduna’s textile sector would not only bring back jobs but also reposition Nigeria as a competitive manufacturing hub in West Africa.
“President Tinubu is determined to ensure development reaches all parts of Nigeria. His administration is committed to reviving key industries that once powered the Northern economy — including the Kaduna Textile industry,” Akume stated.
He emphasized that the industrialization plan is part of a broader eight-point agenda of the Tinubu administration, focused on economic revitalization, job creation, and national unity. The SGF expressed optimism that reviving moribund industries in the North would stimulate production, reduce unemployment, and enhance local sourcing of materials.
“We intend to revisit those good old days of Kaduna Textile. Our goal is to bring back the glory of Nigeria’s industrial past to create a robust and sustainable economy,” Akume added.
The SGF also noted that President Tinubu’s administration, barely two years and two months in office, has recorded significant achievements across multiple sectors despite prevailing challenges.
The event drew attendance from top officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaam Suleiman-Ibrahim; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; NDLEA Chairman, Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd); and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali.
Once a flagship of Nigeria’s booming textile sector, the Kaduna Textile Limited (KTL) was among the largest employers of labour in the North during the 1970s and 1980s. However, decades of policy neglect, poor power supply, and the influx of foreign fabrics led to its collapse in the early 2000s.
The planned revival aligns with previous calls by industry experts who argue that Nigeria can reduce its dependency on imports if it revitalizes its local manufacturing base.
Analysts say reviving the Kaduna textile sector could serve as a catalyst for wider industrial rejuvenation across the North and reduce regional unemployment. It is also likely to address agitations for development equity in post-election Nigeria, especially in historically neglected industrial zones.
As part of the administration’s renewed focus on grassroots engagement, Akume urged citizens to actively participate in government programs and hold leaders accountable.
“This administration listens. We are here not just to speak, but to listen, interact, and work hand-in-hand with Nigerians to shape a better future,” he said.
The renewed promise has sparked cautious optimism among stakeholders in the North, many of whom view industrial revival as a pathway to regional economic self-sufficiency and peace.