Abuja: Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, an Investment Promotion and Economic Development expert, says rebuilding Nigeria’s textile industry requires reforms in cotton production, power supply, and financing before introducing stronger trade protection measures. Adesugba, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA/CEO), gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, focusing on efforts to restore Nigeria’s textile manufacturing capacity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adesugba emphasized the need to introduce textile reforms before adopting stronger import restrictions to revive the nation’s textile industry. He urged the Federal Government to prioritize competitiveness to drive sustainable growth in the textile industry, enabling Nigerian manufacturers to compete effectively within regional and global markets.
Adesugba noted that the textile industry previously operated about 167 mills and created employment for more than 500,
000 Nigerians. He stated that rebuilding the sector remains important for economic diversification and industrial development. He advocated for gradual reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s textile industry and sustainable competitiveness that should precede import restrictions, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize competitiveness, infrastructure, and local production over an immediate textile import ban.
Recalling the historical significance of Kaduna as Nigeria’s leading textile hub, Adesugba pointed out the significant decline in the industry’s contribution to the economy as many factories ceased operations. He suggested that reviving local textile production is achievable through well-planned industrial reforms and advised expanding domestic production to meet increasing national demand before implementing an import ban, which could lead to supply shortages.
Moreover, Adesugba highlighted the need for policies encouraging increased investment in textile manufacturing across the value chain, w
ith urgent attention required in cotton production and electricity supply. He stressed the importance of stable electricity supply to reduce production costs for manufacturers and called for improved access to affordable financing to enable factories to modernize their equipment.
Adesugba advocated for consistent industrial policies to encourage long-term investments in manufacturing, noting that predictable policies would strengthen investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s textile sector. He also mentioned that stronger border management would complement efforts to promote legitimate trade and local production.
As the National Vice President of the Nigeria Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Adesugba acknowledged government intervention programs demonstrating a commitment to supporting the textile industry. He commended the Senate’s efforts to revitalize the textile industry and restore jobs across the country but emphasized the need for a greater focus on addressing s
tructural production challenges. He called for collaboration among government, investors, farmers, and manufacturers to rebuild and strengthen the industry.
Adesugba expressed confidence that consistent reforms would position Nigeria’s textile industry for renewed growth, employment generation, and broader economic development.