The Senate has called for a total ban on the importation of textile materials into Nigeria as part of efforts to revive the nation’s textile industry, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Ministry of Agriculture to implement policies aimed at revitalising textile manufacturing and strengthening the sector’s value chain.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the urgent need to revive Nigeria’s textile industry, sponsored by Senator Katung Marshall during plenary.
Leading the debate, Senator Katung recalled that the country’s first large-scale textile mill was established in Kaduna in 1957, laying the foundation for the rapid expansion of textile manufacturing across Nigeria.
He noted that at its peak, the industry operated about 167 textile mills and directly employed over 500,000 Nigerians, making it the second-largest employer after the Federal Government.
However, the lawmaker said the sector suffered a major decline due to factors including smuggling, inadequate funding, obsolete machinery, and persistent power supply challenges, leading to the closure of several textile companies and massive job losses.
Senators expressed optimism that reviving the industry would boost local production, create employment opportunities, support cotton farmers, reduce dependence on imports, and contribute significantly to national economic development.
