The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has cautioned that the Nigerian Senate’s proposal to ban textile fabric imports could have significant unintended consequences for the country’s garment, tailoring and fashion industries, which together are estimated to be worth more than ₦10 trillion.
According to Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, the proposed restriction could disrupt critical supply chains, weaken value-added manufacturing, encourage smuggling and threaten the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on the broader textile and apparel ecosystem.
Textile Import Ban Could Impact Nigeria’s Wider Fashion Value Chain
In a public statement titled “Senate’s Textile Import Ban Resolution Risks Doing More Harm Than Good,” Yusuf argued that the proposed policy focuses too narrowly on textile manufacturing while overlooking the interconnected nature of Nigeria’s textile, garment, fashion, furniture and creative industries.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s garment-making and tailoring sector is substantially larger than the domestic textile manufacturing segment and plays a vital role in the country’s economy.According to CPPE estimates, the garment and fashion industry is conservatively valued at around ₦10 trillion and provides livelihoods for approximately 10 million Nigerians, making it one of the country’s largest creative economy sectors.
Read more: Nigeria Senate Calls for Textile Import Ban to Revive Domestic Manufacturing
Structural Reforms Preferred Over Import Restrictions
Rather than imposing an outright import ban, CPPE believes Nigeria should prioritize reforms aimed at improving the competitiveness of its textile industry.Dr. Yusuf stated that the industry’s main challenge is not excessive imports but structural issues affecting productivity and production costs. He recommended a series of long-term measures, including:
- Improving industrial competitiveness and productivity
- Reducing energy and manufacturing costs
- Reviving domestic cotton production
- Expanding access to affordable financing
- Using government procurement policies to support locally produced textiles
According to CPPE, these reforms would create a more sustainable path toward rebuilding Nigeria’s textile manufacturing base without disrupting downstream industries.
Concerns Over Smuggling and Revenue Loss
CPPE also warned that banning textile imports could unintentionally encourage illegal trade, increase smuggling activities and reduce customs revenue. Industries such as furniture manufacturing, which also rely on imported textile materials, could face higher costs and supply shortages under the proposed policy.The organization stressed that any industrial policy should carefully balance support for domestic textile manufacturers with the needs of Nigeria’s much larger garment and fashion sector.
Read more: India Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Textile Industry Revival
Nigeria Faces Key Policy Decision for Textile Industry Revival
As discussions continue over the Senate’s proposal, industry stakeholders are calling for policies that strengthen local textile production while preserving the competitiveness of Nigeria’s broader apparel value chain. Many analysts argue that improving infrastructure, reducing production costs and supporting cotton farming may deliver more sustainable results than broad import restrictions.
