Reps Push For Ban On Foreign Textiles To Revive Nigeria’s Textile Industry

The Nigerian House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to ban the importation of foreign textiles in a bid to rejuvenate the local textile industry. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Garba Muhammad (NNPP–Kano) during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Once a major contributor to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, the textile industry had over 180 mills in operation during the 1960s to 1980s. At its peak, the sector employed around 450,000 workers and accounted for a significant portion of the country’s economic growth. However, in recent decades, the industry has experienced a sharp decline due to multiple challenges.

The downturn has been attributed to reduced cotton production following the discovery of oil, high production costs, unfavourable government policies, increased taxation, and trade liberalisation that encouraged extensive importation of foreign textiles. This led to the closure of several prominent textile companies including Kaduna Textile, Kano Textile, Aba Textile, United Nigeria Textile, and First Spinners, resulting in mass job losses.

Recognising Nigeria’s potential with abundant raw materials like cotton and wool, the House emphasized the need for renewed efforts to boost local textile manufacturing, which could drive employment, diversify the economy, and enhance national revenue.

To support this initiative, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Power to work with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to improve power supply to local textile manufacturers, thereby enhancing production efficiency and quality. It also recommended that the Ministries of Finance, Industry, Trade and Investment, along with other relevant agencies, facilitate the provision of soft loans and credit support through the Bank of Industry.

In his ruling, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen directed the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation, and tasked the Committees on Industry and Commerce to organise a public hearing with stakeholders in the textile sector. The committees are expected to present their findings within four weeks to enable further legislative action.