The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviving the country’s textile industry and strengthening local manufacturing to enhance job creation and economic growth. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, made this pledge during a visit to Sunflag Nigeria Ltd. in Lagos, where he underscored the urgent need to curb textile imports and protect domestic manufacturers.
The visit highlighted the alarming state of Nigeria’s textile sector, once a thriving industry that employed over 250,000 workers in the 1980s but now reduced to just 10,000 due to heavy reliance on imports. Sunflag Nigeria Ltd. Managing Director, Alok Bhardwaj, disclosed that the country currently imports textiles worth $6 billion annually, a trend that has significantly weakened local production and employment opportunities.
Bhardwaj emphasized that smuggling remains a major threat to the survival of the industry, urging the government to implement policies that will safeguard local manufacturers and stimulate investment in domestic textile production. He called for enhanced regulatory measures, improved infrastructure, and financial incentives to encourage businesses to scale up operations.
Sen. Enoh reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges, noting that a thriving textile industry could significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification and reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign goods. He assured stakeholders that the administration is prioritizing initiatives that will create an enabling environment for the textile industry to flourish.
The revival of Nigeria’s textile industry aligns with broader national efforts to boost local production, enhance self-sufficiency, and reduce unemployment. As discussions continue, industry experts and stakeholders are optimistic that sustained government intervention will breathe new life into the sector, restoring its position as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial development.
