This podcast episode was about manufacturing sector and its integral subsector textile and clothing, seeking to promote their revival in understanding of their significance to the Nigerian economy.

The manufacturing sector traditionally contributes 13% of Nigeria’s GDP, providing thousands of jobs and millions in revenues.

However, the sector has struggled to reach its full potential. It posted meagre growth of 1.6% annually in the last 5yrs and saw its lowest drop in FDI in Q1 2025 since Q2 2022 inflow dropping to $129.2m from $421.0m.

The textile and clothing sub-sector had long taken hit with local textile manufacturing giving way to $4billion yearly imports and loss of cultural wear heritage, jobs and opportunities.

In this interview with Dr. Fabian Ibeto, a foremost Lecturer and Educator in the field of Industrial Design and speciliazed in Textile and Clothing at the University of Ibadan, he disclosed multiple factors -policy, infrastructure, narrative, smuggling and importation, capital, technical expertise, technology and R&D, insecurity -are responsible for the of the sectors.

He deconstructed how we got here and gave practical insights on what we must do to revive the sectors and position them to be productive, competitive, and income and job-generating as seen in other countries.

He also addressed the unique opportunities for youths in the space, dispelled misleading narratives and gave advice to them on navigating career in the space that help to promote youth participation.

He as well touched on environmental impact of manufacturing, textile and clothing and canvassed for a sustainable approach with option of agro-waste. The potential of agro-textile and the need for advance technology adoption and capital injection was also discussed and how to scale it and Nigeria being a leading producer of it and environmentally sustainable producer of textile and clothing under global best practices.

Make sure to listen to the full episode. There is a lot to learn to guide revamping, develop and grow the discussed sector and also meaningfully investing in it.