The Nigerian Senate has called for a complete ban on textile imports as part of efforts to revive the country’s struggling textile industry and boost job creation.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Katung and co-sponsored by lawmakers including Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Adams Oshiomhole, Mohammed Monguno, Ibrahim Khalid, and Mustapha Khabeeb.
Leading the debate, Katung lamented the collapse of an industry that once employed nearly 500,000 workers across 167 mills in the 1970s and 1980s.
He recalled that Kaduna, nicknamed “Textile City,” was once the hub of Nigeria’s textile production.
Lawmakers blamed the decline on smuggling, poor government protection, and the influx of imported fabrics.
Senator Adamu Aliero argued that only a total ban could protect local manufacturers and revive cotton farming, noting Nigeria was once among the world’s largest cotton producers.
Senator Ogoshi Onawo stressed that reviving the sector would help tackle unemployment and insecurity, while Senator Jibrin Isah urged collaboration with the Ministry of Industry to ensure implementation of the Senate’s resolutions.
Following a voice vote, the Senate urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to:Ban textile imports completely.Provide additional funding to the Bank of Industry to support manufacturers.
Introduce policies to encourage cotton production among farmers.Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described the move as vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that the textile industry was once a major contributor to the economy before decades of decline caused by poor infrastructure, high production costs, and competition from imports.
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