Nigeria spends approximately $6 billion yearly on textile imports, harming local industry and employment. Minister Sen. John Enoh highlighted efforts to reduce this dependency and boost local production during a visit to Sunflag Nigeria Ltd. Experts indicate that this reliance employs hundreds of thousands abroad while local manufacturers struggle to survive.
The Federal Government has expressed alarm over Nigeria’s substantial reliance on textile imports, noting an approximate annual expenditure of $6 billion on foreign textiles. This heavy dependency has adversely affected the local textile industry, leading to significant job losses and economic stagnation. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, articulated these concerns during a recent visit to Sunflag Nigeria Ltd. in Lagos, part of a three-day industrial tour aimed at fostering local manufacturing.
Sen. Enoh emphasized that the government aims to rejuvenate the textile sector, enhance its value chain, and promote locally-made goods to lessen import dependence. He lamented the industry’s decline over the years, where it previously served as a major employment source, rivaling governmental job opportunities. Challenges like smuggling, insufficient infrastructure, and unfavorable policies have contributed to this downturn.
Highlighting the statistics, Enoh stated, “You would be surprised to know that we import $6 billion every year of textiles into Nigeria, and Nigeria consumers by doing that, employ 750,000 Chinese and Indian workers in their countries to clothe ourselves.” He pointed out that the neighboring Benin Republic has developed a robust textile industry that predominantly caters to Nigerian consumers, further intensifying Nigeria’s foreign textile dependence.
Alok Bhardwaj, Managing Director of Sunflag Nigeria Ltd., echoed this staggering figure, confirming the $6 billion spending on textile imports. He stated, “You would be surprised to know that by importing textiles, Nigerian consumers are indirectly employing 750,000 workers in China and India, while our local industry struggles to survive.” The local textile industry has faced drastic reductions in employment, plummeting from 250,000 employees during its peak years to fewer than 10,000 workers now.
Bhardwaj also discussed the influx of smuggled second-hand clothing as a major challenge for the local industry. He warned that this uncontrolled importation of used clothing threatens the livelihoods of approximately 1.5 million tailors across Nigeria. He pointed out the economic ramifications of local employment, stressing the need for prioritizing domestic production to achieve industrial growth.
In closing, Sen. Enoh assured stakeholders of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to revitalizing the textile industry. He stated, “My visit here is to assure you that this government is committed to changing the situation.” The government aims to implement policies that promote local production, eliminate smuggling, and attract investment into the sector.
In summary, Nigeria’s reliance on imported textiles, costing the economy $6 billion annually, severely undermines the local industry, resulting in job losses and economic challenges. Officials are advocating for revitalization efforts through policy changes aimed at enhancing local production, reducing smuggling, and elevating made-in-Nigeria goods. A commitment from the government is essential to restore the textile sector to its former prominence and employment significance.
Original Source: nairametrics.com
