FG to convene stakeholders on textile industry revival

John Enoh, the minister of state for industry, trade and investment, says the ministry will soon convene a session for cotton and textile stakeholders to address the challenges that have hindered growth within the industry.

According to a statement on Friday, Enoh spoke at the commencement of the south-west leg of the nationwide three-day industrial tour, where he visited selected industries in the region.

During the tour of Sunflag Nigeria Limited in Lagos, Enoh addressed the press, acknowledging that the decline in the textile industry remains a reality that has severely affected productivity and employment.

The minister assured the company that his leadership will ensure the ministry provides the necessary support for local manufacturers to thrive.

Accompanying the minister was a delegation composed of technocrats and policy planners from the ministry.

The team visited other leading industrial giants such as GB Foods, Berger Paints, Friesland Campina WAMCO Plc, and Mojec Group in Lagos state.

Additionally, the team visited TGI, Veenocks Nigeria Limited, Coleman Cables and Wires, Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL), and Mikano Industries in Ogun state.

ENOH TO REVIVE AILING INDUSTRIES, PROMOTE MADE-IN-NIGERIA GOODS

Enoh said in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, the ministry remains committed to reviving all ailing industries to promote made-in-Nigeria goods and services, which will, in turn, boost the economy and create massive job opportunities for Nigerians.

“I have the immediate mandate to promote Made-in-Nigeria goods and services,” the minister said.

“My visit here is to assure you that if there is a government that is committed to doing that, it is the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“You can see that this government has continued to show a lot of courage and energy. And that’s what this country requires now.”

Praising the resilience of the companies despite the country’s economic challenges, Enoh said the government will work towards easing their challenges and support existing businesses to drive growth.

“We commend the resilience of these companies for believing in the country despite the challenges,” he said.

“We want to assure them that the goal of the government is to lessen challenges that continue to impact the ease of doing business in Nigeria.”

‘INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION WORK GROUP TO SERVE AS THINK TANK’

Enoh announced plans to inaugurate the industrial revolution work group (IRWG), which will include representatives from different sectors, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

He explained that the group will function as a think tank and a bridge between industries and the government, ensuring key issues are identified and collaboratively resolved.

The minister further highlighted that the IRWG aligns with his six key priorities, which include the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ), cotton, textiles and garments (CTG) industry, petrochemical, chemical & pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) census.