Nigeria's Senate calls for total ban on textile imports to revive sector

Nigeria's Senate is pushing for a total ban on imported textile products, aiming to revive the nation's struggling textile industry, boost job creation, and increase government revenue. The upper legislative chamber also recommended that the federal government allocate additional funds to the Bank of Industry (BOI) specifically for the textile sector's revitalization. These resolutions stem from a motion introduced by Senator Sunday Katung of Kaduna South, co-sponsored by several other senators. Katung lamented that the unregulated influx of textile imports has caused Nigeria to lose its former status as a major employer in the sector. He recalled that Nigeria's first large-scale textile mill, established in 1957, once provided direct employment to approximately 500,000 people. However, the industry has seen a significant downturn. By 2007, three major textile mills had closed, resulting in over 7,000 job losses. "65 years after the years of textile boom, the fortunes of the once flourishing industrial sector have tumbled and reduced the sector to the unenviable status of the weakest segment of Nigeria’s industrial sector," Katung stated. He noted that since the ban on textile imports was lifted in 2010, Nigeria now imports nearly 80% of its textiles, primarily from China, Indonesia, and Taiwan, a trend he believes is detrimental to the Nigerian economy in terms of job creation and foreign exchange. Senator Katung urged the federal government, along with the Ministries of Agriculture and Industry, Trade, and Investment, to take immediate action to revive textile industries, particularly in Kaduna and Kano states. He also called on the Nigerian Customs Service to enhance border surveillance to combat smuggling and ensure proper tariffs are collected on imported textiles and related goods. During the debate, most senators supported the motion. Senator Isah Jibrin emphasized the need for the National Assembly to collaborate with relevant government agencies for the implementation of the Senate's resolutions. Senator Ogoshi Onawo of Nasarawa South linked the revival of the textile sector to addressing unemployment and insecurity, stating, "All that is happening in our country today is due to lack of jobs for our youth." Senator Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central argued in favor of a total ban on textile imports.

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65 years after the years of textile boom, the fortunes of the once flourishing industrial sector have tumbled and reduced the sector to the unenviable status of the weakest segment of Nigeria’s industrial sector.