The Nigerian Senate has called for a complete prohibition on textile imports as lawmakers seek to revive the country’s once-thriving textile manufacturing sector and reduce dependence on foreign-made fabrics.
The resolution was adopted after deliberations on a motion highlighting the collapse of domestic textile production, the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs and the growing reliance on imported products to meet local demand. Senators argued that urgent intervention is required to restore industrial capacity and stimulate economic activity across the textile value chain.
Nigeria’s textile industry was historically one of the country’s largest employers and a major contributor to manufacturing output. At its peak, the sector supported hundreds of thousands of direct jobs and sustained extensive economic activities linked to cotton farming, processing and garment production.
Brandspur Brand News gathered that lawmakers expressed concern over the industry’s decline over the past several decades, noting that many factories that once operated across major industrial centres have either shut down or become inactive, leaving the country heavily dependent on imported textile materials.
During the debate, senators stressed that reviving local textile manufacturing could create employment opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthen domestic production and contribute to efforts aimed at addressing poverty and insecurity. Several lawmakers also warned that continued dependence on imports threatens the survival of remaining local operators.
The Senate further emphasised the need for coordinated action involving relevant government agencies responsible for trade, industry and agriculture. Legislators argued that policy measures alone may not be sufficient without effective implementation and long-term industrial support.
Beyond restrictions on imports, lawmakers advocated increased support for cotton production to ensure a reliable supply of raw materials for manufacturers. Industry stakeholders have long identified declining cotton output as one of the factors affecting the competitiveness of local textile firms.
The upper legislative chamber also urged the Federal Government to provide additional funding support for the sector through development finance institutions. Senators noted that access to affordable financing would be critical for modernising production facilities, replacing obsolete equipment and improving productivity.
Calls were also made for targeted intervention programmes that would help textile manufacturers compete more effectively in both domestic and international markets. Lawmakers argued that strategic investment in the industry could contribute significantly to economic diversification and industrial development.
Following the adoption of the resolution, the Senate urged the Federal Government to prioritise the revitalisation of textile manufacturing nationwide while encouraging increased cotton cultivation among farmers. The chamber maintained that stronger protection for local producers and renewed investment across the value chain could help restore a sector that once played a vital role in Nigeria’s economy.
