The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Ola Awakan has warmly commended the Senate for its timely resolution calling for a total ban on the importation of foreign textile materials.
This decisive step, he noted, represents a significant turning point in efforts to restore Nigeria’s once-thriving textile sector and stimulate domestic production across the value chain.
Awakan described the Senate’s motion, particularly its focus on the Kaduna-Kano industrial corridor, as a strategic intervention that aligns perfectly with national goals for industrialization, job creation and economic diversification.
“This initiative will help boost the economy by ensuring local production takes center stage,” he stated, emphasizing that protecting the sector from unfair import competition will revive abandoned mills, attract fresh investments, and unlock the full potential of local cotton farming.
The DG highlighted the historical success of Nigeria’s textile industry, which once employed over 500,000 workers, and stressed that deliberate government policies like those proposed by the Senate can reverse decades of decline caused by obsolete equipment, power challenges and policy inconsistencies.
“A revived textile sector is not just about fabrics, it is about cultural pride, self-reliance, and inclusive economic growth,” he added.
The NTDA is partnering with the private sector to ensure that Nigerians wear made-in-nigeria textiles more in hotels, schools and workplaces across the country.
This development, which aligns with ongoing PPP initiatives will be unveiled soon with the aim of boosting the image and identify of Nigeria while strengthening local industries.
NTDA Press/PR
