By Tajudeen Salaudeen in Ilorin
The Executive Council (NEC) of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria has lauded the kwara State Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq for returning kwara to the league of Textile/ garment producing state in Nigeria
As a stakeholder in the cotton, textile and garment industry in Nigeria, the union is excited that the State Governor has proudly returned Kwara to the league of textile/garment producing states in Nigeria with the successful establishment of a Multi -million garment factory in llorin.
We are also excited that the factory reportedly produced the official jerseys and other sporting wears for the State’s contingents to the ongoing National Youths Games, holding in Asaba, Delta State.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in llorin by the National president of the union,Mr peter Godonu and General Secretary, Alli Baba commended the Governor for turn around of textile garment producing factory
“The future of Nigeria lies in manufacturing, adding value to our abundant raw materials and creation of sustainable jobs, The advantages of industrialization include, creation of sustainable mass decent jobs, lessening of dependency on imports, thus saving scarce foreign exchange and enhancing government revenue through company taxes.” the statement said
“The cotton, textile and garment industry in particular is the key driver of sustainable jobs and development for most national economies of developing nations like Nigeria”.
‘ We have no doubt that the Kwara Garment Factory when in full operation, will help to reduce the country’s import dependence for garment and apparels, boost the nation’s export and position Nigeria to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as well as the American Growth and Opportunity Act “(AGOA)
While appealing to governments at all levels, corporate organisations, schools, individuals and all well-meaning Nigerians to patronize the Kwara garment factory and other textile industries in country, the union noted that, this would help in creating mass decent jobs and alleviate poverty. Patronage of locally made textiles and garment would help in the recovery of the Nigeria’s textile and garment industry and attract more investment in the sector.
The union further called on the Nigeria Customs Service to intensify effort to combat smuggling and dumping of sub-standard garments from China and other Asian countries into Nigeria which has crippled local industries. If Nigeria must maximise the benefit of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) it must protect her local industries and provide the enabling environment to make local industries competitive.
