By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to ban the importation of foreign textile materials into Nigeria. Lawmakers made the call during plenary while considering a motion on reviving the textile industry, particularly along the Kaduna-Kano axis. The Senate believes the ban will boost local manufacturing, support cotton farmers, create jobs, and strengthen economic growth. The motion was sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and received support from lawmakers across the country.
Senate Pushes for Textile Import Ban
The Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately restrict textile imports into Nigeria. Lawmakers said the move would protect local manufacturers and encourage investment in domestic textile production.
According to the Senate, Nigeria’s textile industry once served as a major contributor to economic growth and employment. However, the sector declined due to smuggling, inadequate financing, poor access to raw materials, and competition from imported fabrics.
Lawmakers Seek Revival of Kaduna-Kano Textile Corridor
Senators stressed the need to restore textile industries in the Kaduna-Kano industrial corridor. They noted that the region previously housed thriving textile factories that employed thousands of Nigerians.
The motion attracted support from several lawmakers, including Adams Oshiomhole, Tahir Monguno, Mustapha Khalid, Mustapha Khabeeb, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Kawu Abdurrahman Suleiman, Simon Lalong, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Babangida Hussaini, and Mohammed Dandutse.
Senate Calls for Increased BOI Funding
The Upper Chamber also called for increased funding for the Bank of Industry (BOI). Senators proposed a dedicated intervention fund to support struggling textile companies and accelerate industry recovery.
Lawmakers argued that targeted financing would help manufacturers expand operations, improve productivity, and create more employment opportunities.
Cotton Farming Key to Industry Recovery
The Senate emphasized the importance of large-scale cotton production. It urged the Ministry of Agriculture to support farmers and expand cotton cultivation nationwide.
Senators explained that adequate cotton supply remains critical to the survival and growth of textile industries. They warned that efforts to revive the sector could fail without sufficient raw materials.
Textile Revival to Create Jobs and Improve Security
Lawmakers said reviving the textile industry would provide employment for millions of Nigerians, especially young people. They added that increased job opportunities could reduce youth restiveness and contribute to national security.
Furthermore, the Senate urged the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade and Investment to collaborate on policies that will restore textile production across the country.
Senate Adopts Motion on Textile Industry Revival
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Revive the Textile Industries in Nigeria with Particular Reference to the Kaduna-Kano Axis.”
The Senate maintained that restoring the textile sector would strengthen local production, reduce dependence on imports, and support Nigeria’s broader economic development goals.
