Late former President Muhammadu Buhari
By AMOS MATHEW, Kaduna –
National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has joined Nigerians and the international community to mourn the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a visionary leader who laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s industrial revival, particularly in the textile sector.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Peters Godonu, and General Secretary, Ali Baba, the union said Buhari’s legacy would endure, especially for his unwavering support for decent work, job creation and industrial development during his time in office.
The union noted that Buhari was the first Nigerian President to accord special attention to the revival of the moribund textile industry, making it a key plank of his 2015 and 2019 campaign promises, and backing it with practical policy measures during his tenure.
“President Buhari’s administration introduced a comprehensive Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) policy aimed at reviving the entire value chain from cotton growing to garment production. This marked a turning point in the fight to restore the glory of Nigeria’s textile industry,” the union stated.
It also recalled the former President’s firm implementation of Executive Order 003, which prioritised the use of made-in-Nigeria products in public procurement, including military and paramilitary uniforms a move that significantly boosted local demand for textiles and garments.
The union lauded Buhari’s collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in providing funding support and forex restrictions to protect the local textile industry. “These interventions rekindled hope among our members and revived several struggling factories,” the statement read.
According to NUTGTWN, Buhari was the first Nigerian President to grant audience to the union’s leadership, receiving them at the Presidential Villa on July 23, 2019, where he reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the sector. In recognition of his efforts, the union conferred on him the title of Honorary Member of the union.
“We remember him not only as a former Head of State but as a leader who genuinely believed in the power of industry to drive national development,” it added.
While expressing condolences to his family, the Daura Emirate Council, the government and people of Katsina State, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the union said Buhari’s death was a national loss, but his vision must remain a guiding light.
The NUTGTWN commended the Tinubu administration for continuing with industrial policies aimed at job creation and reindustrialisation, noting that such continuity offers renewed hope for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and working population.
