Nigeria’s Senate has called for a comprehensive ban on textile imports as part of a broader strategy to revive the country’s once-thriving textile industry, create employment opportunities, and strengthen local manufacturing.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Katung and co-sponsored by several lawmakers, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Ibrahim Khalid, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Senator Mustapha Khabeeb.
The lawmakers argued that stronger protection for domestic textile producers is essential to restoring one of Nigeria’s most important industrial sectors and reducing the country’s dependence on imported textile products.
Once Africa’s Textile Powerhouse
Presenting the motion, Senator Katung highlighted the historical significance of Nigeria’s textile industry, recalling that the country’s first large textile mill was established in Kaduna in 1957. Government support throughout the 1960s and 1970s enabled the sector to expand rapidly.
At its peak during the late 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria was home to approximately 167 textile mills, employing nearly 500,000 people directly while supporting millions more across the cotton, textile, and apparel value chain.
The concentration of textile manufacturers in Kaduna earned the city the nickname “Textile City,” reflecting its role as the center of Nigeria’s textile production.
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Industry Decline Driven by Imports and Structural Challenges
According to lawmakers, the industry’s decline has been caused by a combination of imported textile products, widespread smuggling, limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure, obsolete production equipment, and persistent electricity supply challenges.
The closure of numerous textile factories has resulted in significant job losses, weakened domestic manufacturing capacity, and reduced demand for locally produced cotton, affecting farmers throughout the country.
Senators warned that without decisive policy intervention, Nigeria risks losing even more of its textile manufacturing capabilities.
Senate Pushes for Comprehensive Industry Support
During the debate, lawmakers emphasized that reviving the textile industry requires more than import restrictions alone.
Senator Jibrin Isah urged the National Assembly to ensure that the Senate’s resolutions are fully implemented through close cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and other government agencies.
“We need a structured approach that will bring the industry back to life,” he said.
The Senate subsequently resolved to urge the Federal Government to introduce a ban on textile imports, strengthen financial support for domestic manufacturers through the Bank of Industry, and encourage increased cotton production to reinforce the entire textile value chain.
Potential Economic Impact
Supporters of the proposal believe revitalizing the textile sector could generate substantial employment, stimulate local manufacturing, increase demand for Nigerian cotton, and enhance the country’s industrial competitiveness.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that rebuilding domestic textile production would reduce import dependence while supporting value-added manufacturing and economic diversification.
If implemented alongside investment in infrastructure, technology modernization, and access to finance, the proposed measures could help restore Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading textile manufacturing hubs.
