By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to ban the importation of foreign textile materials as part of efforts to revive Nigeria’s struggling textile sector and boost local cotton production.
The resolution followed a motion titled “Urgent Need to Revive the Textile Industries in Nigeria with Particular Reference to the Kaduna-Kano Axis,” sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (APC, Kaduna South) and co-sponsored by several lawmakers.
The upper chamber urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to take immediate steps to revive textile industries across the country, noting that the sector’s resurgence would create employment opportunities, reduce youth unemployment, and help address insecurity.
Senators also called for increased funding to the Bank of Industry (BOI) to support textile manufacturers and facilitate the revival of the sector.
In addition, the Senate urged the Ministry of Agriculture to promote cotton farming, stressing that sustainable textile production depends on the availability of locally produced cotton.
Leading the debate, Senator Katung highlighted the historical importance of the textile industry, particularly in the Kaduna-Kano axis, which once served as a major source of employment and economic growth before suffering years of decline due to policy challenges, smuggling, and an influx of imported fabrics.
The motion received support from lawmakers across party lines, including Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Tahir Monguno, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Simon Lalong, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and others.
The Senate maintained that revitalising the textile sector would not only strengthen local manufacturing but also reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fabrics while stimulating economic development.
