Senate seeks ban on textile imports to revive local industry

The Nigerian Senate has called for a total ban on imported textile products as a measure to revive the nation's once-thriving textile industry and create much-needed jobs. This resolution follows a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Katung and co-sponsored by several other lawmakers, highlighting the sector's severe decline.

“

This motion is very important, but I don’t want it to die like other motions.

Senator Katung lamented the industry's fall from its peak, recalling that Nigeria had approximately 167 textile mills in the late 1970s and 1980s, employing nearly half a million workers. Kaduna, in particular, was known as "Textile City" due to the concentration of major companies. Lawmakers contributing to the debate attributed the collapse to a lack of government protection, widespread smuggling, and the overwhelming influx of foreign textile goods.

“

This motion wouldn’t have come at a better time than this. All that is happening in our country today is due to lack of jobs for our youths.

Senators emphasized that reviving the textile industry is crucial for tackling rising unemployment and insecurity across the country. Senator Ogoshi Onawo stated that job creation for the youth is essential, and bringing the textile sector back would engage young people and improve the nation's overall well-being. Senator Adamu Aliero argued that a complete ban on imports is the only viable solution to protect local manufacturers and stimulate cotton production, which Nigeria once led globally.

“

Nigeria used to be the largest producer of cotton in the world.

The Senate urged the Federal Government, along with the Ministries of Agriculture and Industry, Trade and Investment, to take concrete steps toward reviving textile industries. They also called for additional funding and stressed the importance of ensuring that resolutions are implemented, with Senator Jibrin Isah advocating for close collaboration with relevant government agencies to structure the revival process effectively.

“

If we really want to revive the sector, the only solution is a total ban.