The Nigerian Senate has strongly urged the federal government to implement a comprehensive import ban on all textile materials. This pivotal move, senators contend, is essential for rejuvenating the nation’s once-thriving textile industry. Furthermore, the upper legislative chamber has called upon the Nigeria Customs Service to significantly enhance surveillance activities across all national borders, aiming to effectively curb the persistent issue of smuggling.
A key recommendation from the Senate is for the federal government to dedicate specific attention to cotton cultivation, recognizing its potential as the swiftest catalyst for resuscitating the beleaguered industry. This resolution emerged from a motion spearheaded by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (Kaduna South) and supported by nine co-sponsoring lawmakers. The motion underscored the profound historical importance and substantial economic potential inherent in the textile industry, particularly within the historically significant Kaduna–Kano industrial corridor.
Tracing the Decline of a Once-Vibrant Sector
Senator Katung, in his presentation, reminded colleagues of the establishment of Nigeria’s first major textile mill in Kaduna in 1957, an event that marked the inception of a booming textile industry that subsequently expanded across the entire country. However, the lawmaker expressed deep regret over the sector’s consistent decline. He attributed this downfall to a confluence of factors including inadequate infrastructure, a notable dearth of investment, and erratic government policies.
Providing a stark historical perspective, Senator Katung detailed the industry’s deterioration, noting, “By 1997, many of these companies were barely functional, grappling with obsolete machinery and erratic electricity supply. By 2007, most had shut down entirely, leaving over 70,000 workers unemployed and industrial facilities abandoned.” The Senate expressed considerable concern that Nigeria now finds itself in a position of being a net importer of textiles, with foreign products fulfilling more than 90 percent of local demand, underscoring the urgent need for Nigeria textile industry revival.
Legislative Voices for Robust Industry Safeguards
During the subsequent debate, Senator Adamu Aliero advocated for an immediate and outright import ban on textiles, asserting that any revival policy would prove ineffective without stringent enforcement of such a prohibition. Adding to the discussion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that the sector’s struggles were exacerbated by ill-conceived, military-era decisions to accede to World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements without adequate protective measures. He highlighted that even developed nations, such as the United States, occasionally bypass specific WTO rules to negotiate individual trade agreements, emphasizing a need for Nigeria to prioritize its local interests.
Following these comprehensive deliberations, the Senate collectively urged the federal government to impose a total import ban on foreign textile materials. This measure is intended to provide crucial protection for local manufacturing capabilities. The lawmakers further called upon the Ministries of Agriculture and Industry, Trade and Investment, to undertake immediate steps to revitalize textile production nationwide, with a specific focus on historical hubs like Kaduna and Kano. Finally, the Nigeria Customs Service was directed to intensify border surveillance to curtail smuggling and ensure the strict collection of applicable tariffs, all vital steps towards sustainable Nigeria textile industry revival.
