EBOJELE AKHERE PATRICK, Benin
The Federal Government, on Thursday in Benin, said it is working out ways to ensure that made in Nigeria textile is patronise by Nigerians.
The minister of state for Trade, Industry and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar stated this at the 28th Annual National Education Conference of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), in Benin, on Thursday.
Represented by a Director in the ministry, Mr. Barnabas Jattau, the minister disclosed that there is presently an ongoing discussion with Nigeria military and Para-military, to patronise made in Nigeria textile for their uniforms.
While noting that this is one of the government plan to revive the textile industry in the country, the minister said other plans include reduction in the cost of production, as well as smuggling.
According to her, the government is presently in a high level discussion with the Nigeria Customs Service (NIS), on how to stop smuggling of textiles materials into the country through the nation’s border posts.
“The other plan is to reduce production cost, especially in the use of gas. We are working out ways to change gas pricing from dollar to naira.
“The federal government is passionate about reviving the industry,which is why we are working our ways to see that our military and other security agencies use Nigeria textile for their uniforms,” she stated.
Similarly, the General Secretary of the NUTGTWN, Mr Isa Aremu, who said the union identifies with the “Change begins with you” slogan of the federal government, stressed that revival of the textile industry will help create thousands of employment opportunities.
He however called for an attitudinal change towards made in Nigeria textiles by Nigerians, especially the military, public servants and government officials.
“School uniforms and military uniforms should all be made in Nigeria textiles, to encourage revival and growth of the sector.
“Also to encourage this, government must be able to guarantee uninterrupted power supply, and also reduce cost of doing the business which is presently very high,” he said.
On the change begins with you slogan, Aremu said, “The change must begin with the revival of our industries, especially the textile industry.”
The NUTGTWN Secretary General commended the Edo Government for the restoration confidence in governance, and pledged that the union will support its continuity agenda, by endorsing the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki.