Enoh Vows to Revitalise the Textile Industry and Combat Smuggling.

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The Federal Government has pledged to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s textile industry, promising manufacturers a level playing field. Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, made this commitment during a visit to Sunflag Nigeria Limited in Lagos as part of a three-day industrial tour.

Enoh acknowledged the industry’s decline, recalling how it once rivalled the government in employment generation. “Several years ago, the textile industry competed almost fairly with the government in terms of the employment of our Nigerian people,” he said. 

He attributed the decline to the influx of second-hand clothing and unchecked textile imports, citing “300 containers coming into this country daily, unaccounted for. They pay no duties, whereas you do, and that’s the level playing field you’re talking about.”

The Minister announced plans to convene a session on cotton, textiles, and garments within two weeks to engage stakeholders in finding solutions. “We need to see what needs to be done to get this sector right,” he added. Enoh assured industry players that the Tinubu administration is committed to reviving the textile sector. 

“If there is a government that will change this situation, it is the government of President Tinubu. We are determined to make a positive change and see this industry flourish again.

Alok Bhardwaj, Managing Director of Sunflag Nigeria Limited, lamented the industry’s decline, revealing that employment had fallen from 250,000 in the 1980s to just 10,000 today. He called on the government to protect the industry, citing the example of the United States. 

“Just like President Trump protected American workers and industries, why can’t we do the same? Nigeria imports $6bn worth of textiles annually, employing 750,000 Chinese and Indian workers while only 10,000 Nigerians work in the sector.”

Bhardwaj also emphasised the impact of second-hand clothing imports on local tailors. “About 1.5 million Nigerian tailors are affected by the influx of used clothing. If even 10 percent of these imports are reduced, it would have a dramatic effect on employment.” He urged the government to implement policies ensuring local manufacturers have access to affordable energy. 

“We generate 40 megawatts of electricity for ourselves, but previous agreements on gas pricing have not been fully implemented. We need government support to remain competitive.

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