By Atoyebi Nike
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to support the revival of Nigeria’s local textile industry by facilitating the provision of soft loans to operators through the Bank of Industry (BOI).
The call followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Mr. Garba Muhammad, a lawmaker from Jigawa State, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Mr. Muhammad highlighted the critical role the textile industry plays in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting that over 180 textile mills currently operate across the country, employing nearly 450,000 people annually. He emphasized that revitalizing the sector would significantly boost employment, diversify the national economy, and promote socio-economic development.
Expressing concern over the industry’s recent decline, Muhammad pointed out the mass layoffs at major textile companies including Kaduna Textile, Ka Nigeria Textile, and First Spinners. He attributed the downturn partly to Nigeria’s discovery of oil, which led to reduced local textile material production.
He further criticized government policies, citing high taxation and expensive liberalization policies that have encouraged the massive importation of foreign textile materials, which threaten local producers.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the Federal Government to regulate the importation of foreign textiles and to encourage local textile production. It called on the Federal Ministries of Finance, Industry, and trade-related agencies to facilitate soft loan schemes through the Bank of Industry to empower local textile companies.
Additionally, the House recommended that the Federal Ministry of Power collaborate to improve essential infrastructure, particularly reliable power supply, to help local manufacturers enhance product quality and competitiveness.
