Textile Industry
The Nigerian Textile Manufacturing Association (MTMA) canvassed the ban in the exportation of cotton from the country.
MTMA’s Acting Director-General, Hamman Kwajaffa, maintained that such restriction was required since locally produced cottons are enough for manufacturers of textile materials in the country.
Kwajaffa spoke during a public hearing organized by the Mr Abubakar Moriki led House of Representatives committee on Industry considering a Bill for an Act to establish the national cotton, textile and garment (CTG) development council and standardization in CTG value chain and panacea to achieving CTG self sufficiency in Nigeria and for other related purposes.
Kwajaffa described the moves to establish the CTG development council as a step in the right direction since it would create the enabling environment for the economy to thrive.
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The founder Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Mrs Adenike Ogunlesi who was accompanied by stakeholders in the garment industry welcome the plan to establish arguing it would boost the production of cotton in the country.
Lamenting the over -reliance on imported fabrics by the teeming population of Nigerians, she said it was unfortunate that Nigeria is yet to reap the benefits derivable from the African Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA) due to the reverses suffered by the textile and garment sector of the economy over the years.
Secretary General of the National union of textile and garment workers of Nigeria, Comrade Issa Aremu said it was unfortunate that Nigeria which was once a major producer of textile materials in Africa in the 80s has been relegated to the background in the sector due to policy somersault by successive administration’s in the country.
Canvassing the need to grant full autonomy for the proposed council, he said the revitalization of the CTG sector would protect the 50, 000 employees in the sector as well as create additional jobs for the teeming population of unemployed Nigerians.
Source: G Business
