…Targets skills development for 5m youths by 2030 to bridge employment gap
The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday approved the creation of a Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board, a major step in the federal government’s broader strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock sectors and unlock an estimated $90 billion in economic value by 2035.
The decision was made during the 149th NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The session was attended by the governors of Nigeria’s 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank, and several senior federal officials.
In a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Vice President, the new initiatives were described as part of a plan to “reposition Nigeria’s economy and confront insecurity at its foundation.”
Vice President Shettima said the new board is a response to the urgent need to rebuild Nigeria’s once-vibrant textile industry. “We are taking concrete steps to re-establish a sector that was historically a major employer and contributor to the national economy,” he said.
The Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board will be headquartered within the Presidency and include representatives from the six geopolitical zones, along with officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security; Budget and Economic Planning; and Industry, Trade and Investment. Its operations will be funded through the textile import levy collected by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Shettima also drew attention to the Green Imperative Project, describing it as a crucial framework for transforming the livestock industry across the country. The project will operate from national and regional offices, with hubs in each of the six geopolitical zones.
“Our aim is to build synergy between government and the private sector to modernise livestock farming, generate employment, and improve food security,” the Vice President said.
He went on to urge council members to maintain a results-driven approach to governance, warning against policy inertia.
“The nation is watching. Our citizens are not waiting for another declaration, they are waiting for delivery. This Council must prioritise results and steer clear of empty pronouncements.”
In addition to establishing the new textile board, NEC also approved the launch of a National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism designed to respond to the country’s growing food security concerns.
“We are not here to marvel at policy frameworks. We are here to guarantee their practical implementation,” Shettima added, encouraging council members to concentrate on real-world impact rather than elaborate rhetoric.
Presentations during the meeting also covered the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. The initiative, which focuses on cattle ranching, disease management, and promoting peaceful relations between farmers and herders, forms a core component of the government’s plan to elevate the livestock sector into a $90 billion industry by 2035.
To ensure oversight and sustained momentum, NEC committed to conducting field visits and working closely with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to track progress and troubleshoot implementation challenges.
In a related update, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, briefed the Council on the current state of the federation’s financial accounts. He reported that the Excess Crude Account had reached a balance of $473,754.57 as of April 2025.
The Ministry of Education also presented a new initiative targeting the empowerment of five million young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills by 2030. The programme places strong emphasis on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a key driver of national development.
Vice President Shettima concluded by calling for collective determination in advancing the government’s economic and security reforms.
“This is not a stage for promises. It is a platform for performance,” he said.
