Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has announced the Ministry’s commitment to collaborate with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and other stakeholders to rejuvenate Nigeria’s cotton sector.
During a meeting with ICAC’s Executive Director, Eric Trachtenberg, and other key stakeholders in Abuja, Kyari emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance cotton production, create jobs, and explore export opportunities.
Kyari revealed that reviving the cotton ecosystem could generate over 1.4 million jobs annually, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s industrialization policy.
The focus will be on developing key components of the cotton value chain, including farming, weaving, and ginning.
The minister expressed optimism that with ICAC’s technical support, the sector would overcome challenges that have previously deterred farmers, leading to sustainable economic growth.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, highlighted the agricultural sector as a major employer and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing both the cotton and textile industries.
Eric Trachtenberg outlined ICAC’s support plan, which includes farmer training, technology deployment, and innovative solutions to improve productivity and facilitate investment in Nigeria’s cotton value chain.
The meeting underscored a united effort to boost the cotton sector’s potential, with all parties committed to addressing challenges and driving national development.
