Nigeria's Senate is pushing for a complete ban on textile imports to rescue the nation's dying fabric industry.
Lawmakers made the call on Tuesday during a debate on the sector's collapse. They want the federal government to act fast and decisively.
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung from Kaduna South sponsored the motion. Nine other senators backed his proposal.
Katung painted a grim picture of an industry once thriving. Nigeria's first major textile mill opened in Kaduna back in 1957.
That factory sparked a boom across the country. Mills sprouted everywhere, creating jobs and wealth.
But things fell apart. Poor roads, no money for upgrades, and shifting government policies killed the sector.
"By 1997, most companies barely operated with broken machines," Katung told the chamber. "Electricity was unreliable and plants were falling to pieces."
A decade later, the situation got worse. By 2007, nearly all factories had shut their doors for good.
Over 70,000 workers lost their jobs. Industrial spaces now sit empty and unused.
Today Nigeria imports nearly all its textiles from abroad. Foreign products make up more than 90 percent of what Nigerians buy.
Senator Adamu Aliero backed the import ban strongly. He said half-measures won't work without real enforcement.
Adams Oshiomhole blamed old military decisions. He said the government rushed into WTO commitments without protecting local industries.
Rich countries like America ignore WTO rules when it suits them, Oshiomhole noted. Nigeria should do the same.
The Senate voted to support the total ban on foreign textile imports. Lawmakers want real protection for Nigerian manufacturers.
Two government ministries now have urgent work. Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment must revive production.
Kaduna and Kano need special attention as historic textile centers. Investment and proper planning should start there immediately.
Customs officers got new marching orders too. Border teams must tighten surveillance against smugglers.
Tariff collection needs to be strict where applicable. No more leaks in the system.
