The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured the textile sector that it will do all it can to ensure surmount the challenges faced by them. It will also encourage textile workers to prioritize skills development and adhere to global standards, so that they can efficiently compete and create the much needed jobs, as well as combat counterfeiting.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, addressing the members of Textile, Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGWN) at its 11th Quadrennial Delegates Conference, with Back to the Basics as its theme, said serious efforts are being made by the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Col Hameed Ali (rtd) to combat smuggling as well as indiscriminate dumping of textiles and garments in the market.

Represented by a Permanent Secretary, Aminu Bisala, he said the Federal Government is firmly committed to developing infrastructure, as well as enhancing the overall ease of doing business in the country, particularly for businesses.

He also assured that trade facilitation within and across borders will be given priority, adding that the nation can meaningfully build on these areas, not only to address the needs of today but to provide for the future prosperity of Nigerians, yet unborn.

Osinbajo reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to providing stable power and access to finance through the Bank of Industry (BoI).

Osinbajo also assured NUTGWN, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other stakeholders of President Muhammdau Buhari’s commitment to industrializing the sector and creating an enabling environment through well thought out policies.

The government is determined in its commitment to diversify the economy through exports promotion and will support in promoting local patronage of made-in-Nigeria garments.

Prof Osinbajo identified inadequate infrastructure and financing, informality distortion, standardization challenges, lack of access to international markets, smuggling and the dumping of used clothes and many more as the challenges inhibiting the development of the sector.

Noting that the Delegates Conference was timely, Osinbajo said that it is a reflection of the determination of the group to address the challenges facing textile industry and position the sector for sustainable growth.