By Adekunle Yusuf

In Imobi, a small community in Ogun State’s Ijebu East Local Government Area, a quiet transformation is underway—one that could signal the rebirth of Nigeria’s long-dormant cotton and textile industry.

At first light, farmers like Adewale once faced an all-too-familiar uncertainty, relying on cassava yields that barely sustained their households. Today, his fields tell a different story. Rows of cotton plants, dotted with soft white bolls, stretch across land that was once underutilised. For Adewale and many others, cotton is no longer a relic of the past—it is a renewed source of hope.

“This one is different because it gives hope,” he says, reflecting a cautious optimism now shared across the community.

Rewriting Nigeria’s cotton story

Imobi’s emergence as a cotton hub marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s agricultural narrative—one long defined by paradox. Despite vast arable land, favourable climate conditions, and a large labour force, the country has struggled with underdeveloped value chains and heavy import dependence.

Historically, Nigeria’s economy thrived on cash crops such as cocoa, groundnuts, and palm produce. Cotton, too, was a cornerstone, supporting a once-vibrant textile industry that employed hundreds of thousands. However, decades of policy inconsistency, neglect, and import pressures led to the collapse of that ecosystem. Ginneries shut down, textile factories closed, and farmers abandoned cotton for quicker, albeit less profitable, alternatives.

The developments in Imobi suggest a deliberate effort to reverse that decline.

Building a value chain, not just farms

At the centre of this revival is entrepreneur Ololade Adeneye, whose return from the United Kingdom has catalysed the transformation. Through her organisation, House of Dorcas Integrated Services (HDI), she has introduced a model that goes beyond cultivation to encompass the entire cotton value chain.

“I didn’t come back just to farm,” Adeneye explains. “I came back to rebuild a system—to connect what we grow here to what we wear and export.”

Her approach integrates farmer training, input supply, aggregation, and long-term plans for local processing—ensuring that production is tied directly to markets and industry.

The initiative also aligns with federal efforts such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which provides smallholder farmers with access to credit, inputs, and guaranteed off-take arrangements. While outcomes have been mixed nationwide, in Imobi the programme has played a critical role in encouraging farmers to transition into cotton cultivation.

Changing livelihoods and mindsets

The impact is already evident. Farmers now operate in organised clusters, benefiting from shared knowledge and economies of scale. Women are increasingly involved through cooperative structures, while youth participation—historically low in agriculture—is gradually rising.

Beyond the economic gains, stakeholders point to a deeper shift: a move from subsistence farming to enterprise-driven agriculture.

Yet challenges remain. Scaling cotton production requires functional ginneries, reliable power supply, efficient logistics, and, crucially, a revitalised textile industry capable of absorbing raw materials. Without these, production gains may not translate into sustainable profits.

From lost billions to new potential

Nigeria’s cotton sector holds significant untapped potential. The country produces long-staple cotton, a premium variety valued for its quality and versatility. Despite this, Nigeria loses an estimated $6 billion annually due to reliance on imports.

Industry experts believe that with a fully developed cotton-to-garment value chain, the sector could generate over $10 billion for the economy while creating thousands of jobs.

This potential was underscored during a recent harvest event in Imobi, which drew key stakeholders from government, finance, academia, and industry. Participants included officials from the Bank of Industry, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), farmer associations, and academic institutions such as the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Science, policy and partnerships

Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of research, innovation, and coordinated action. Experts highlighted the need for science-driven agriculture, climate-smart practices, and structured extension services to ensure long-term sustainability.

Government representatives reiterated their commitment to the National Cotton, Textile and Garment Industrial Transformation Plan, positioning initiatives like the Imobi project as pilot models for nationwide replication.

A key development was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bank of Industry and the RMRDC, aimed at bridging the gap between research and financing. The partnership is expected to convert research outputs into bankable projects, stimulate value addition, and strengthen industrial linkages.

A foundation for industrial revival

For Adeneye, the focus remains on building a sustainable system rather than a short-term success story.

“At HDI, we are not just growing cotton; we are building a system,” she says. “Without structure and sustainability, there can be no industry.”

As the fields of Imobi continue to expand, so too does the possibility that Nigeria’s cotton revival may finally take root—not just as an agricultural initiative, but as a cornerstone of broader economic diversification.

What began quietly in a small Ogun community may yet reshape the future of Nigeria’s textile industry.