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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has described 2025 as a defining year marked by major gains in workers’ rights, union growth and industrial advocacy, while pledging stronger engagement in 2026 to revive Nigeria’s textile industry.
In its 2026 New Year message jointly signed by its President, Peters Godonu and General Secretary, Ali Baba, the union said it recorded remarkable achievements despite economic and industrial challenges confronting the sector.
According to the union, progress was made in strengthening collective bargaining, protecting jobs and resisting unfair labour practices, while ensuring that the voices of textile, garment and tailoring workers were heard at all levels.
It also highlighted improvements in internal democracy, leadership development and membership participation, alongside expanded organising activities nationwide.
The union said it advanced gender equality by increasing women’s inclusion in leadership positions and promoting equal opportunities and workplace protection.
It also announced the rebranding of its National Secretariat in Kaduna, now named after former General Secretary, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as well as the establishment of a tailoring hub named after the union’s third General Secretary and Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu.
On workers’ welfare, NUTGTWN reported a major victory with the recovery of outstanding members’ claims from African Alliance Insurance Company.
It added that advocacy on occupational health and safety was intensified, while education and training programmes were expanded to improve productivity, conflict resolution and industrial transformation.
Commenting on the state of the industry, the union commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for steps aimed at reviving Nigeria’s cotton, textile and garment sector.
It particularly welcomed the National Economic Council’s April 2025 approval of the proposed Textile and Garment Development Board, while calling for inclusive representation of key stakeholders, including labour unions.
The union also expressed optimism over reports that the Federal Government plans to modernise 50 per cent of Nigeria’s operational textile capacity within five years. It further praised Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for plans to resuscitate Aba Textiles.
Looking ahead, NUTGTWN pledged to intensify advocacy for industrial revival, deepen engagement with policymakers and pursue improved living and working conditions for members.
It reaffirmed its commitment to key union activities including collective bargaining, organising, workers’ education, health and safety, gender equality and social security.
The union called for unity and solidarity among workers, employers and government, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration would build a stronger union and a more vibrant textile industry in 2026.
