The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGWN) has said Nigeria’s future lies in manufacturing, adding value to its abundant raw materials and creation of sustainable jobs.
The union 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.”
Its National President and General Secretary, Peters Godonu and Ali Baba, in a statement to commend the Kwara State government on the establishment and opening of a garment factory in Ilorin.
“We appeal 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 the country thereby creating mass decent jobs and helping to 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 Nigeria Customs Service must also 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.
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“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 AfCFTA as well as the American Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of our union and the generality of our members, we most heartily commend his Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State for the establishment and successful opening of the Multi-million Naira Kwara Garment Factory located in the ancient city of Ilorin, Kwara State.
“As a stakeholder in the cotton, textile and garment industry in Nigeria, the union is excited that the Kwara State Governor has proudly returned Kwara State to the league of textile/garment producing states in Nigeria with the successful establishment of the garment factory.
“We are also excited that the factory reportedly produced the official jerseys and other sporting wears for Kwara State’s contingents to the ongoing National Youths Games, holding in Asaba, Delta State.”