Writing By Awuhe Terfa; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
National Union of Textile, Garment And Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has reaffirmed continuous support and cooperation with government, employers and social partners in the collective effort to revive the textile industry and reposition it as a key driver of national development.
This was contained in a statement issued by the National President Comrade Peters Godonu and General Secretary Comrade Ali Baba on the occasion of the new year celebration.
The statement expresses delight that the Federal government among other initiatives for industrial revival is considering modernizing 50 per cent of Nigeria’s operational textiles within five years as part of a broader revitalization agenda.
The statement further commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration for the determination to revive the Nigeria’s moribund cotton, textile and garment sector through the establishment of the Textile and Garment Development Board as the regulatory body for the cotton, textile and garment sector of Nigeria.
It stresses that the initiative is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to reviving Nigeria’s textile industry, which has suffered years of neglect and decline.
The statement demands an inclusive representation of critical stakeholders including union members on the proposed Board.
In the spirit of the season the statement extends greetings to all Nigerian workers, fraternal industrial unions, Textile Employers’ Association, governments at all levels, IndustriALL Global Union and its affiliates worldwide as well as the press.
The statement notes that the year 2025 was a defining period and that despite prevailing economic and industrial challenges, the union recorded remarkable achievements in the defence of workers’ rights.
The statement confirms that the union was able strengthen collective bargaining processes, protected jobs, resisted unfair labour practices, and ensured that the voices of textile, garment and tailoring workers were heard at all levels.
It’s submits that Significant progress was also made in building union power through effective leadership development and improved internal democracy.
According to the statement they were also able to advance gender equality, ensuring increased inclusion of women in leadership and promoting equal opportunities and protection at workplaces.
Most significantly according to the statement is the rebranding of the Union’s National Secretariat in Kaduna which was renamed after a former General Secretary, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
The union equally established a tailoring hub which was named after the 3rd General Secretary and Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu.
In the area of social protection and welfare, the statement maintains that the union recorded a remarkable victory with the successful recovery of member’s outstanding claims with African Alliance Insurance Company.
It says commitment to occupational health and safety remains unwavering hence the reason why the Union has continue to intensify advocacy for safer working environment and compliance with health and safety standards while also ensuring that education and training programmes are expanded to equip members with relevant skills for productivity, conflict resolution and industrial transformation.
The statement insists that the union is fully committed to achieving greater heights through unity, discipline, innovation and purposeful leadership in the new Year and beyond.
Awuhe Terfa
