NEC Approves Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board, Endorses $90B Livestock Strategy

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the establishment of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board to revitalize Nigeria’s textile sector. The decision was reached during NEC’s 149th meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Briefing State House Correspondents on Thursday, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State explained that the new board will operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) model to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

Uzodimma revealed that the board will be funded through textile import levies, and its chairman will be selected from the private sector.

“The National Economic Council received a presentation from the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum, made up of private-sector players in the industry,” he stated. “Their proposal outlined steps to revitalize the cotton and textile value chain in Nigeria.”

The council approved the proposal and also authorized the creation of national and regional offices across the six geopolitical zones to support implementation and coordination.

In a related development, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State disclosed that NEC also received a comprehensive plan for accelerating growth in the livestock industry. The proposal was presented by the Minister of Livestock Development.

The strategy called the National Livestock Growth and Acceleration Plan (2025–2030), is designed to position the livestock sector as a major driver of job creation, exports, and internally generated revenue.

According to Diri, projections suggest the plan could generate $74 to $90 billion by the year 2035.

“This will involve direct partnerships between state governments, private investors, and international stakeholders, operating under a strong federal regulatory framework,” he explained.

He added that between 2025 and 2026, the strategy will focus on five key pillars:

1. Livestock Value Chain Development

2. Water Resource Management

3. Feed and Further Development

4. Animal Health and Zonal Disease Control

5. Data Collection and Statistical Information Systems