The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to engage key industry stakeholders before implementing the Senate’s proposal to prohibit the importation of textile materials.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, MAN Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, argued that many government policies fail because those directly affected are often excluded from the decision-making process.
He warned against introducing another policy without proper consultation, saying effective solutions require collaboration with industry players. According to him, policies that do not reflect realities on the ground rarely achieve their intended objectives.
Ajayi-Kadir stressed that government should first convene textile manufacturers to determine their production capacity, the challenges limiting their operations, and the support required to expand output. While Nigeria understands its domestic textile demand, he noted that many local factories are currently operating at less than 30 percent of their installed capacity.
His remarks followed the Senate’s resolution urging the Federal Government to prohibit textile imports as part of efforts to revive the local industry and stimulate domestic production. The lawmakers also called on the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade and Investment to restore textile manufacturing, particularly within the Kaduna-Kano industrial corridor, citing its potential to generate employment and reduce youth unemployment and insecurity.
Reacting to the proposal, the MAN chief said Nigeria possesses the capacity to satisfy its textile needs but insisted that reviving the sector requires more than legislative resolutions.
He explained that the industry needs practical government support through policies that manufacturers have consistently advocated but which have yet to be implemented.
Ajayi-Kadir questioned whether public institutions are prepared to lead by example through the patronage of locally produced textiles. He asked whether government officials, lawmakers, security agencies, schools, and other public institutions would commit to wearing and purchasing Nigerian-made garments and uniforms.
He also suggested that any import ban should be accompanied by strict enforcement of Executive Order 003 and a broader “Nigeria First” policy that prioritises locally manufactured products in government procurement.
According to him, budget approvals for textiles, garments, and uniforms should demonstrate clear links to domestic production, while authorities must effectively implement the 30 percent Common External Tariff on imports from third countries and strengthen border security to prevent smuggling.
Ajayi-Kadir concluded that a nationwide discussion involving all relevant stakeholders is necessary if the country is serious about banning textile imports, stressing that such a policy cannot succeed through government directives alone.