Textile Manufacturers Seek Special Grant from FG to Revive Industry

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

Textile manufacturers in Nigeria are asking for special grant from the federal government so as to revive the country’s ailing textile industry.
Pioneer President, Carpet Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Otuekong Udoh, who commented on the current state of the textile industry in the country, said at the moment, over 60, 000 of their workers have lost their jobs, while allied companies, suppliers, distributors, transporters and others have lost their jobs and businesses.

In a statement he made available to journalists in Calabar, Udoh said, to date over 30 textile companies in Nigeria have died, taking toll on the Nigerian economy.
He said that the entire indigenous textile manufacturing companies like Jackson Devos, Aswani and many others have gone aground because of their chief executive roles and fight for democracy using NADECO as a platform.

Udoh, said the two surviving textile industries are owned by foreigner nationals, which amounts to capital flight.
Udoh, who is the Chairman Jackson Devo’s FZE added: “For any economy to grow, the government as a matter of necessity and urgency should bring back the industries which are the backbone of any economy.
“Any country that does not pay great attention to the development of its private sector, which includes the small scale industries, cannot create the required and much desired employment for its citizens.

“This is the fate of Nigeria. The word ‘production’ was like a mantra during the last general elections campaigns.
“Production is the manufacturing of a product to meet the needs of consumers.  Any country relying on importation of most products the citizens consume cannot enjoy a stable economy because of certain economic deficiencies and market forces. “Nigeria continues to be a dumping ground for foreign goods as there is no encouragement from government for manufacturers to step up their game.”

He said for more than 30 years, Jackson Devos has been one of the most respected manufacturing companies in Nigeria, adding, “Our product, Crown Carpet, became the leading brand across the country and is still in the market, with our wide range of quality products which our numerous distributors can attest to as we gain better market shares.

“During its heydays, Crown Carpet sold beyond the shores of Nigeria. It was much sought-after in Ghana and other West African countries.
“About 30 indigenous carpet manufacturing companies in the country have folded up and according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), there are only two of such companies still functioning,
“The encouraging market climate buoyed us up to consider immediate expansion to meet consumers need. This was why we decided to take a loan and meet up the financial demands for the expansion,” he added.

He pointed out that Nigeria was trying to encourage the revival of its private sector, especially the present interest shown by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration towards the revival of the manufacturing sector.
“I wish to commend President Tinubu and the government for considering and providing financial support to manufacturers in the country.
“It is a good beginning. I would suggest that the government considers providing special intervention grants to manufacturers, with proper monitoring mechanism to ensure that only companies with requisite structure and infrastructure benefit from such support,” he added.