The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, has declared the federal government’s commitment to revitalizing the once-thriving textile industry. This pledge was made during a tour of Sunflag Nigeria Ltd., one of the few remaining textile companies in the country, highlighting the government’s focus on manufacturing and job creation.
“Nigeria’s textile industry used to be the backbone of our industrial economy, second only to government in employment,” stated Minister Enoh. “We are dedicated to bringing it back to its former glory, ensuring that it not only survives but thrives, creating millions of jobs and promoting made-in-Nigeria goods.”
The textile industry in Nigeria, which once boasted over 180 textile mills and employed over 450,000 people, has seen a dramatic decline over recent decades. Factors like smuggling, inconsistent government policies, high production costs, and inadequate infrastructure have led to the closure of numerous factories, leaving only a handful operational today.
Minister Enoh emphasized that the government’s strategy would involve multiple interventions. Key among these is addressing the smuggling of textiles, which has severely undermined local production. He assured that measures would be taken to create a level playing field for Nigerian textile manufacturers by tackling the influx of second-hand clothing and other smuggled goods that have flooded the market.
Moreover, the minister highlighted the importance of promoting made-in-Nigeria goods. “The next door country, Benin Republic, has a flourishing textile garment industry targeting our market. We must shift this dynamic by encouraging our citizens to buy local,” Enoh remarked. The government plans to incentivize local production through fiscal policies, tax waivers, and possibly establishing textile industrial parks to alleviate infrastructural bottlenecks.
Another aspect of the revival plan includes revisiting and enhancing the Cotton, Textile, and Garment (CTG) policy to ensure that cotton farmers are supported, thus securing raw materials for the industry. “We must increase local cotton production to feed our textile sector,” Enoh added, pointing out that Nigeria has the potential to not only meet domestic needs but also export cotton.
The minister’s visit to Sunflag Nigeria Ltd. also underscored the government’s commitment to engaging with existing manufacturers to understand their challenges and provide tailored solutions. Sunflag’s Managing Director, Alok Bhardwaj, appreciated the government’s intentions but stressed the need for swift action. “Over the years, we’ve seen many promises. What we need now is action to make these promises a reality,” Bhardwaj said.
This initiative comes at a time when the textile sector’s decline has not only affected employment but also contributed to the trade deficit, with Nigeria spending billions annually on textile imports. The government’s plan to revive the industry could potentially turn this around, fostering economic growth, reducing unemployment, and enhancing the country’s manufacturing capabilities.
