The Federal Government is mulling a revamp of the textile industries in Nigeria to leverage on its job creation potentials.
To this end, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima hosted a number of stakeholders at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Tuesday, which included the governors of Lagos and Imo State to draw ideas on how best to go about revamping the moribund industries.
Recall that Nigeria was a net producer of cotton used in the production of textiles, with major industrial hubs located in Lagos and Kaduna States.
Over the years, the sector dwindled in production leading to mass retrenchment of workers, partly attributed to government policies and neglect of the sector.
Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma said it was germane for those in the helm of affairs to do everything within their power to stimulate the Nigerian economy, hence the buy in of governors to the project.
He said, “Like the United Nations Cotton Manufacturing, the entire production chain of cotton is up to 10 sides and the whole idea is to leverage on the opportunity to revamp the industries in Nigeria, which many of them are now moribond, particularly in the cotton and textile sector.
The Governor said the plan is a new opportunity that is creating a new partnership for the country to cross pollinate ideas with experts, to bring new skills, new ideas and new innovations into revamping the industries in Nigeria.
He is optimistic that it will create jobs and engage thebyoung men and women that are currently roaming the streets.
Corroborating Uzodinma, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria textiles because of the impact it would have in the economy.
He said the textile industries have the potential of engaging over 15 to 20 million Nigerians hence the critical nature of the sector.
Sanwo Olu said the Vice President them gave a matching order, and a commitment, which is a great news that everybody must take away from the meeting.
Vice president also gave the governors a road map to actualize the goal.
